Showcase Spring/Summer 2024

SHOWCASE SUSD

SHOWCASE SUSD

SCOTTSDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

8500 E. Jackrabbit Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85250 (480) 484-6100

Showcase magazine is an in-house publication of the Scottsdale Unified School District Office of Communications and Marketing. ©2024 All rights are reserved. For advertising opportunities and more information, please call (480) 484-6100, visit www.susd.org/Showcase,or email SUSDcommunications@susd.org

Editor: Kristine Harrington

Copy Editor: Nancy Norman

Art Director: Victor Bobbett

Social Media Promotion: Sam Schnoes

Website Promotion: Steven Paluch

Video Promotion: Emilio Torres

Stay Connected!

Be sure to follow Scottsdale Unified School District on social media for the latest news, events, and career opportunities. For a complete listing of our social media accounts, with links to each, visit www.susd.org/Connect

On the cover: Tonalea MS students Alexie, Hope, Jose, and Robert adeptly navigate coding challenges, applying logic and teamwork to program drones for smooth flight and innovative maneuvers. (Photography by Victor Bobbett)

Dear SUSD Community,

Welcome to the latest edition of SUSD Showcase magazine!

Our district thrives on innovation, and we're excited to share with you myriad ways in which SUSD is leading the charge to redefine teaching and learning.

Our cover story takes you on a journey into the heart of innovation at Tonalea Middle School. You'll read about how SUSD is empowering educators with the resources and support they need to pioneer groundbreaking approaches in the classroom. In line with our Strategic Plan initiatives, we are inspiring educators to ignite the imaginations of our students, encouraging them to think differently to explore new horizons.

But that's just the beginning. Throughout this spring edition of Showcase, you'll encounter stories of collaboration, creativity, and dedication as we introduce you to a diverse array of programs, partnerships, and initiatives that are building on SUSD’s legacy of excellence. From STEAM initiatives to community outreach projects, every page of this magazine reflects our unwavering commitment to provide a holistic and enriching educational experience for every student.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of SUSD. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and shape the future of education.

Sincerely,

Scott A. Menzel, Ph.D. Superintendent

smenzel@susd.org www.susd.org/Superintendent

We want to hear from you! Share ideas, comments, and ask anything at: www.susd.org/LetsTalk

Scottsdale Unified School District GOVERNING BOARD

Please visit www.susd.org/Board for the most current information. Meeting schedule subject to change.

Watch online anytime!

DR. LIBBY HART-WELLS

2024 Board President Term: 2021-2024

Desert Mountain Learning Community Scottsdale Online Learning lhartwells@susd.org

ZACH LINDSAY

2024 Board Vice President Term: 2021-2024

Arcadia Learning Community zlindsay@susd.org

JULIE CIENIAWSKI

Board Member Term: 2021-2024

Chaparral Learning Community and Scottsdale Online jcieniawski@susd.org

AMY CARNEY Board Member Term: 2023-2026

Coronado Learning Community amycarney@susd.org

CARINE WERNER Board Member Term: 2023-2026

Saguaro Learning Community cwerner@susd.org

SUSD is full of stars, and starting this spring, we will regularly put a “spotlight” on people, programs, and partnerships that are making a difference. This exciting venture is dedicated to bringing you inspiring human interest stories, celebrating the successes of our incredible students and staff, highlighting thriving community partnerships, and showcasing the lasting impact of our alumni.

"Spotlight" aims to capture the essence of the Scottsdale Unified School District through the sharing of just some of the stories that make our community unique.

Here's what you can expect from “Spotlight”:

Human Interest Stories: Dive into compelling narratives that exemplify the resilience, determination, and achievements of individuals within our district.

Staff and Student Successes: Hear firsthand accounts of the accomplishments and milestones reached by our outstanding staff and students, both in and outside the classroom.

Community Partnerships: Explore dynamic collaborations that strengthen our ties with the community, fostering an environment in which everyone plays a role in the success of our students.

SUSD’s Legacy of Success: Learn about the journeys of our distinguished alumni who continue to make a positive impact in our community and the lives of current students.

We invite you to join us on this exciting podcasting journey! Tune in to "Spotlight" as we shine a light on the extraordinary stories that make the Scottsdale Unified School District a truly exceptional place.

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss any inspiring stories from the heart of SUSD.

Visit our podcast page and listen to new episodes when they drop. Pitch us your SUSD podcast ideas! www.susd.org/Spotlight

ECHO CANYON

RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Known for its unique blend of teaching, learning and practical lessons in sustainability, Echo Canyon School was recently named a 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School.

“It truly highlights the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community to create and foster a learning environment that is built upon relationships with our families and our community,” stated Echo Canyon Principal Kat Hughes.

Last fall, an Arizona Department of Education (ADE) committee toured the Echo Canyon campus, visited classrooms, observed a Chef in the Garden lesson, and met with panels comprised of students and parents.

Echo Canyon is one of just two Arizona schools to be named a National ESEA Distinguished School for 2023 and the only one in the state to be recognized for its academic growth and achievement.

The ADE oversees Arizona’s Title I schools. Title I, a federally funded program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA, provides resources to ensure that all students, especially those considered most academically at-risk, can close achievement gaps and succeed in school. Echo Canyon is a school of choice with no geographic boundary, drawing students from a wide swath of diverse families.

“We can feel the genuine care that everyone, including teachers, staff, parents, and community members, have towards students,” said parent Kristen Guerin. “ECS has a very strong sense of community, and we all share the same mission for every student to learn, grow, and be successful.”

Nestled in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon offers a school-wide looping model, creating twoyear connections between teachers and students. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school, Echo Canyon prioritizes critical thinking, organization, and effective communication to propel student growth and engagement. The school’s vibrant, cross-curricular learning gardens provide hands-on science experiences, as well as opportunities to help solve real-word sustainability issues.

OUTSTANDINGCHARACTER

DESERT CANYON Named AEF® A+ School

of Excellence®

In February, SUSD’s Desert Canyon Elementary School joined Cherokee and Pueblo Elementary schools as an Arizona Educational Foundation® A+ School of Excellence®

“We are proud of our inclusive, close-knit family and the robust support and engagement we receive from our community,” said Principal Kim Mills. “It is heartwarming to witness the friendships and mutual respect that develop among our students as they navigate the challenging, yet rewarding, Mandarin language acquisition journey.”

DCES prides itself on offering both a Mandarin path of study, as well as general instruction in English. Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students spend half of their school day studying subjects in Mandarin and the other half learning in English. The DLI program continues across campus at Desert Canyon Middle School and feeds into Desert Mountain High School, where students can pursue Mandarin Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and earn an Arizona Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy.

Becoming an A+ School of Excellence® requires a significant amount of work. A team of AEF judges toured Desert Canyon Elementary’s classrooms and campus, meeting with staff, parents, and students.

“Students are now teachers, parents are embraced and part of the Desert Canyon community, and the students appreciate the support of their teachers and the opportunity to learn the culture and language through the Mandarin Immersion program,” one judge wrote. “When we asked students to describe the school with one word, here are a few of the words we heard: family, unique, challenging, caring, respect, amazing, responsible, outstanding, engaging, loving, and dedicated.”

Amie Hegeman and her family live just outside of SUSD and open-enroll their three children in the two Desert Canyon schools specifically for the Mandarin DLI program.

“Mandarin just works the brain out in a different way than other languages and it just enhances their cognitive abilities,” Hegeman told Showcase magazine. “It’s just such a lovely neighborhood school, and there’s a Mandarin program. You get it all.”

And Hegeman related the story of her family’s recent spring break trip to Paris, during which her children used their alreadyacquired DLI Mandarin skills to order meals at a Chinese restaurant at which no one spoke English. “That was a really cool experience.”

The A+ School of Excellence® designation is good for four years, at which time schools may reapply to continue their A+ status.

CORONADO & SCC:

Creating the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Coronado High School and Scottsdale Community College have sparked an innovative partnership to establish an Early College Campus at Coronado.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in providing enhanced educational opportunities for our SUSD high school students and aligns with both institutions' commitment to academic excellence, preparing the next generation for success in higher education and the workforce,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, SUSD’s superintendent.

The first Early College course being taught at Coronado this semester by SCC faculty is "Marketing and Social Media.” Next school year (2024-2025), the offerings will be expanded to include “Intro to Entrepreneurship” and “New Venture Creation.” Both courses lead to students being eligible to earn their Level One Entrepreneurship Certification from SCC. These courses are concurrent-enrollment classes, meaning SUSD students earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously.

Students are already collaborating on projects and putting what they learn to work in the real world.

“I enjoy interacting and working in groups with my peers,” said Coronado senior Delang Meng. “The class is outgoing, I can speak my mind, and I have met new people that I

normally would not have spoken to.”

Johana Lopez, Coronado senior, is providing input to a local business. “I can advise my mom for her restaurant, when it comes to advertising.”

With the proposed development of the district’s Entrepreneurship Hub at Coronado, students will be able to work towards earning their Level One Entrepreneurship Certification and learn how to launch a successful company, from start to finish.

“The impact of the workplace skills our Coronado Dons are learning now, while they are still in high school, cannot be overstated,” said Interim Principal Melinda Splitek. “They are fully embracing this opportunity to get a head start on their future.”

The classwork is all useful and work that I will take and utilize in the future.

- Luis Fierro, Coronado student

Designed to provide access to high-quality ballet education, Ballet Arizona’s DanceAZ has steadily expanded its reach throughout the Valley since 2018, with Hohokam Elementary becoming its ninth school partner.

“We know through numerous studies that dance has a major impact on children, giving them physical, mental, and emotional benefits,” said Claire Schmaltz, Ballet Arizona’s Community Engagement Manager.

“This program teaches children how 21st century skills such as character-building can be developed through a dance class. The kids learn how to work together as a team, think together to achieve a goal, take responsibility for how their actions affect the greater group, as well as commitment and communication.”

One of the unique aspects of DanceAZ is its focus on Title I schools, ensuring that students who may not have access to traditional dance education can benefit from this enriching program. By creating a safe and supportive environment, DanceAZ encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and celebrate their individuality.

PARTNERSHIP

UPDATE

None of the Hohokam students in the program this spring had any previous experience with ballet. As recital day approached, they admitted to having the jitters, but were also excited to show what they had learned.

Over the course of nine weeks, third and fourth grade students at Hohokam Elementary dive into the world of ballet, mastering the basics and collaboratively creating their own dance routine. The program culminates in a community performance, in which students showcase their newfound skills and creativity, and inspire their peers and families with their passion and dedication.

“A goal for this session at Hohokam was to create a very collaborative and creative space with the students,” said Ballet Arizona Community Engagement Coordinator Haley Cantarella. “One of the ways we achieved this was with their final performance dance. We selected music as a group, crafted a storyline, and collaborated on choreographic ideas. Through this, their teamwork, communication, and problemsolving skills were put to the test, but they were always open to listen to their classmates’ ideas and compromise when needed to create a three-minute dance together.”

“My favorite part of the class is that we got to choose what animal we wanted to play for our dance about Alice and Wonderland,” said third grader Alex. “I’m nervous about the performance tomorrow. There’s going to be a lot of people there that I don’t know that I’m going to be performing in front of. I’ve never performed before.”

“It’s just a good experience to learn things about ballet,” classmate Brooklyn explained. “My favorite part is seeing my friends and doing the fun dances.”

DanceAZ at Hohokam Elementary School exemplifies the shared commitment to foster inclusivity, creativity, and excellence in arts education through which students are building confidence and laying the foundation for a lifetime of success.

INSIDE PANDA:

Stories of Growth and Friendship

Welcome to P.A.N.D.A., short for Preschool Assessed Needs in Developmental Areas, a preschool initiative that has been shaping young minds at eight SUSD schools for more than three decades.

At the heart of this pioneering program lies a simple yet profound concept: peer modeling. While PANDA primarily serves children with special needs, it also opens its doors to neurotypical students, known as "peer models." Together, the students embark on a journey of mutual growth and understanding, forging friendships that transcend labels and boundaries.

“They learn best from each other,” said Lynn Brachtl, a PANDA teacher at Navajo Elementary who has been an educator for over 30 years. “So it’s all about giving a rich preschool experience to every student.”

Within PANDA’s classrooms, every child is afforded the same opportunity to thrive, regardless of their abilities.

"Special needs kids are loving, sweet, and kind. They just learn a little differently," Judy Droz, another veteran PANDA

teacher, explained. "They receive the same type of education that they would in a neurotypical preschool in the district, along with getting extra services."

Teerin Higgins' son, who initially struggled with speech, reflected on the transformative impact of PANDA on his journey. "He really enjoyed the structure, friends, and learning," she recalled fondly. "He grew immensely socially

as he interacted with classmates every day."

Higgins credited PANDA’s dedicated teachers and therapists with her son's rapid progress.

"He learned through fun songs with his teachers and speech therapist," she explained. "He was already reading by the time he started kindergarten."

Special needs kids are loving, sweet, and kind. They just learn a little differently.

- Judy Droz, Sequoya PANDA Teacher

Inspired by her eldest child's positive experience, Higgins enrolled her younger son as a peer model in the PANDA program, where he, too, benefited from the small class sizes.

Fast forward to today: Higgins’s oldest son is graduating from Chaparral this year and plans to attend Cornell University to study engineering. Her younger son, a Chaparral junior, is involved in robotics and band.

"One of the biggest lessons we teach is that it doesn’t matter if you have glasses or if you have a wheelchair or a device you communicate with. It’s about having empathy and that we can be friends with people who have different abilities,"

said Bronwyn Maxwell, who heads up SUSD’s PANDA program.

The longevity of PANDA's experienced teachers is the cornerstone of its success. "We are very lucky to have a lot of senior teachers, people who have been teaching for decades,” Maxwell stated. “The knowledge and experience they bring to the table are invaluable. And many of our teachers are mentor teachers for the younger teachers that are coming in, so we can share the wealth and pass on knowledge."

"I’ve been in the district since 1995 and I’ve been in the classroom for over 25 years,” she reflected recently. “I’m happy to say many of the students I have had are working independently. Some of them have started companies. There are several that are in college and some of them have gone on to get married and start their own families."

Yavapai Elementary teacher Kelsey Caudill finds joy in her work with PANDA students. "It’s nice to see when they are able to regulate and enjoy themselves,” she shared. “I feel that I've made the greatest impact when they’re happy and successful."

Navajo’s Brachtl emphasized the importance of parental involvement and the bonds that are formed within the PANDA community. "In my morning class, the parents will meet up as they drop off. They all connect with each other,” she explained. “A couple times a year, the parents come in for fun little things, like gingerbread decorating or Family Read Day.”

Each tale of triumph underscores the transformative power of peer modeling and the unwavering dedication of PANDA's educators. Droz recounts the heartwarming journey of a former student.

"I had a student years ago, and he sent a card," she reflected proudly, pulling a note card from the corner of her desk. It reads, “Dear Ms. Judy, Thank you for the great start you gave me back in PANDA.”

“That’s what’s rewarding to me,” said Droz. “He came into my class as a nonverbal child and he’s now in the Honors College at ASU.”

To learn more about the P.A.N.D.A. program, visit www.susd.org/PANDA.

FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Education

today is so much more than the “three R’s”: reading, writing and arithmetic. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now part of the learning landscape.

Always seeking to engage students in “world-class, futurefocused learning,” Scottsdale Unified School District began a formal examination last year of generative AI. As with any new technology, it presents both opportunities and concerns.

SUSD’s Chief Systems Officer, Dr. Michelle Watt, equates the emergence of AI with the advent of the 1970’s pocket calculator and the more recent evolution of search engines, such as Google.

“Both enabled access to information or ways to do things that we previously couldn’t use technology for,” said Watt. “It’s an opportunity to re-think: what are we learning and how do we measure that learning?”

Last year, SUSD leaders convened a workgroup comprised of classified, certified, and administrative staff and tasked it with grasping a good understanding of what AI is, how it works, and whether it can enhance learning. The group was also charged with determining practices for its safe, ethical, and responsible use by students and teachers.

The group learned how teachers can use AI to develop targeted instruction for students and that it can be easily integrated into overall classroom learning. It also examined AI’s shortcomings and the fear that students can use it to submit work that is not their own.

“Humans need to be in the loop,” said Watt. “By ensuring that SUSD students know the right way to use these tools, we are preparing them for college, the workplace, and life, and giving them, and our staff, an advantage.”

The workgroup posted its initial AI Guidelines on the SUSD website in February.

SUSD is the first Arizona school district to partner directly with generative AI provider MagicSchool. All SUSD staff have access to MagicSchool’s enterprise features this spring. At Anasazi Elementary School, first grade teacher Dr. Nichole Viderman is finding multiple uses for them.

“I will add one of our CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) stories into MagicSchool, then ask it to make the reading level higher for my students above-level. Or I will make a nonexemplar for writing, then have my students fix the mistakes.”

Viderman also creates student choice-board activities to connect state learning standards.

“We will observe usage data and seek feedback to inform the district’s continued investment in this product,” said Dr. Scott Menzel, SUSD’s superintendent. “No matter which generative AI tools we provide, learning now about their limitations and value is a testament to our ongoing commitment to invest in our students’ and educators’ success.”

STEM SHOWCASE EXPLORING INNOVATION

Explore the innovative world of STEM education with SUSD's engaging STEM Showcases! As a Cognia-accredited district, SUSD is committed to excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. SUSD schools proudly showcase their dedication to STEM education through interactive activities that inspire curiosity and creativity. These events offer families a firsthand experience of STEM concepts, fostering a love for discovery and problem-solving among students and the community. Dive into the excitement of STEM exploration at SUSD schools and witness the future of innovation in action through these captivating showcases.

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS: INNOVATION IN SUSD

ATonalea Middle School in SUSD’s Coronado Learning Community, a new era of hands-on learning and technological exploration is taking shape. At the helm of this transformation stands Ivan Chango, an impassioned educator whose vision for innovation has found a perfect outlet in the coding class elective he teaches. With the support of forwardthinking district leadership and funding provided by the new SUSD Innovation StartUp Grant program, Chango's classroom has become a hub of creativity, curiosity, and boundless potential.

“The initial charge was for us to develop a process to promote innovation in the district,” said Dr. David Priniski, a key architect of the grant program and SUSD's Director of State and Federal Programs.

The grants, which provide up to $10,000 in funding per recipient, ignited a spark of creativity among SUSD educators when they were announced last fall. Six grants have been awarded to date.

Collaborating with Tonalea 7th grade science teacher Patricia Hernandez, Chango saw the potential to introduce drones into his coding class by blending elements of STEM education with hands-on experimentation. The drone class took flight –literally – as students embraced the new opportunity.

"I'm thrilled to see students not only enjoying themselves but also actively learning new skills, such as drone piloting, data

SUSD Innovation StartUp Grant

collection, and coding," said Chango.

Among them are 8th graders Alexie, Jose, and Hope, each of whom has their own reason for enrolling in the class.

For Alexie, the experience of coding and operating drones is both exciting and challenging.

"It's fun seeing your code play out, but it stinks when it goes haywire," she admitted with a grin, embracing the learning process.

Jose, whose fascination with coding led him to enroll in the class, sees drones as more than just recreational toys: they represent a gateway to future career opportunities.

"Coding drones and doing data analysis would be a cool job to have," he mused, eyes alight with the possibilities.

Meanwhile, Hope finds herself captivated by the seamless integration of learning into the class.

WITH TONALEA MIDDLE SCHOOL’S CODING CLASS

"It's super fun, and the teacher is super helpful," she said, enthusiastically. "It's like the saying, 'If you do something you enjoy, you never work a day in your life.' That's what this class feels like."

Tonalea Principal Dr. Tamara Jagodzinski said the drones open up a timely world of learning at the AVID school.

“We focus on making students college- and career-ready,” she explained. “We are always looking for new ways to engage them, so it’s great when we can expose students to new opportunities and new experiences.”

"The biggest gem,” added Priniski, “is having a superintendent who supports innovation and thinking differently."

And Chango envisions expanding the curriculum to include advanced coding.

"Witnessing the excitement on students' faces as they control drones with the coding they have created motivates me to push the boundaries of what they can achieve," he said.

The district’s Innovation StartUp grants are fostering a new culture of creativity and exploration in SUSD classrooms and equipping students with new skills, curiosity, and courage to navigate an ever-changing world. Tonalea Middle School is among the first to be well-poised to soar.

I'm thrilled to see students not only enjoying themselves but also actively learning new skills, such as drone piloting, data collection, and coding.

- Ivan Chango, Tonalea Teacher

Celebrating Heritage:

Originally found on the campuses of Arcadia and Coronado High schools and recently expanded to the Saguaro campus, a longstanding SUSD initiative provides cultural connections and support for the district’s Native American students. Dedicated Native American educators Sherry Tsosie, Ashley Perea, and Samuel Leonard provide guidance and a vital sense of belonging to Native students who attend their schools. It may come as a surprise to some, but all 29 SUSD schools can boast of having Native American students.

"As I went through my education, I really saw that Native students needed guidance,” said Perea, Native Education Specialist at Coronado. “They needed someone who

believed in them, and I thought if I could make it, being on the reservation and then go to school, like at ASU or a high school off the reservation, they can do it, too. And I tell my story to the kids, and I say, ‘Here’s what I’ve done, and you can do it, too.’"

Perea runs Coronado’s vibrant CHANT Club that focuses on celebrating Native American culture. "I saw how important the CHANT Club is and how it goes back generations," she said. "I have students today and their parents were a part of the club when they went to Coronado."

Saguaro High School alum and Native American Instructional Support Specialist Leonard is passionate about empowering Native American youth.

SUSD’S NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATION PROGRAM

"For students who haven't been to school off the reservation, they are used to being in schools that are 99.9% Native Americans, so it can be a culture shock,” he explained. “This program aims to be a temporary bridge for students and helps connect them with others."

Sherry Tsosie, the Native American Education Coordinator at Arcadia, infuses cultural significance into her role: she crafts beautiful stoles from Pendleton blankets and gives them to the school’s Native American students to wear at graduation.

"Receiving a Pendleton blanket is a big deal,” Tsosie shared proudly. “I was given one when I was a baby. My grandparents gave me one when I graduated high school."

The impact of these support programs reverberates through the voices of the students they serve.

"It's been interesting to see Native Ed evolve and grow throughout the years, and having a club and being able to do fundraiser activities with other Native students has been

I saw how important the CHANT Club is and how it goes back generations. I have students today and their parents were a part of the club when they went to Coronado.

– Ashley Perea, Coronado Native Education Specialist

super exciting,” said Arcadia senior Gabriella Nakai, whose family is Navajo and Choctaw. “We have a common interest that unifies us."

Fellow Titan Eli Smith echoed the sentiment. "It has really helped me find more friends and people from different kinds of cultures."

SUSD’s Native Ed vision extends beyond the confines of the school. "There's a quote, actually from one of the former chiefs of the Navajo tribe,” said Leonard, ”which is, 'We have to fight the injustices of our people with education. They have people out there called lawyers, doctors, and engineers, and that is how we will win the battle. Education is part of the answer.'"

SUSD’s Native students are provided opportunities to tour Arizona colleges so they can envision their future. "There's something almost magical to see students go from, 'I don't even know if I'm going to go to college,’ in general, to, 'I'm going to go to college and it's going to be NAU.' And it's one of the things that makes you proud and happy to work in education," Leonard concluded.

The concept of “the American Dream” has often felt elusive for many Native American communities, he acknowledged. "What I want, for one of the first times for us, you know, since colonization, is for Native American students to have that sense of wonder, that sense of, ‘Where do I want to go? Who do I want to be?’” Leonard elaborated. “I want them to think they can do whatever they set their minds to. Their only limitation is themselves."

During the last three years, Arcadia’s Nakai has travelled to Washington, D.C., several times to represent Native youth. She has emerged as a leader, attending a White House Tribal Youth Forum, moderating a U.S. Department of Agriculture panel, and supporting her Indigenous Food Sovereignty Project. Last fall, First Lady Jill Biden celebrated her as one of 15 “Girls Leading Change.”

"A kid my age texted me,” said Nakai. “He said that he had also just got a super cool opportunity for Washington. He said, ‘I didn't think I could do it so young, but I saw you doing it.’"

Learn more about SUSD’s Native American Education Program at www.susd.org/NAE.

Seeing Blue:

SUSD and the Scottsdale Blue Zones® Project

Scottsdale Unified’s teal and saffron yellow logo is a widely recognized symbol of our school district. As a result of community-wide initiative undertaken by the City of Scottsdale and HonorHealth, a new, favorite SUSD color is blue, as in the Blue Zones Project®

Blue Zones’ goal is to bring to or expand in Scottsdale some of the key, optimized living environments found around the world in what are called “longevity hotspots,” where people routinely live into their 100s. It works, too, with several U.S. Blue Zones cities already experiencing double-digit decreases in obesity, smoking, and body mass index (BMI), millions of dollars in healthcare cost savings, and measurable declines in employee absenteeism.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel, who serves on the Scottsdale Blue Zones Steering Committee, says it’s important for SUSD to participate in the initiative. “Whether it’s related to health and nutrition or addressing drug and alcohol use and abuse, there are a number of things that we, as a school district, can

do to help support healthy choices within our community and help develop healthy patterns of behavior by our students to ensure that collectively, as a community, we live well, and longer.”

With SUSD’s serving of nearly two-million meals each school year, Nutrition Services Director Patti Bilbrey made sure she is a member of the project’s Schools Committee. “This is an opportunity for us to contribute to the making of a very purposeful, intentional, and exciting change for everyone in Scottsdale, and our students are going to be a part of it.”

Using Blue Zones recipes, Bilbrey and her staff are examining how current school menus can adapt to include, for example, more ancient grains and vegetables, more nut butters and hummus, and less sugar. She hopes to enlist Chaparral High School’s Culinary CTE program to assist in that work and take the reworked meals on the road to schools so students can do some taste-testing, for possible implementation next school year.

“Kids eat what they know, and if they go home and talk about the Blue Zones food they ate at school, maybe it will inspire their families to look into the whole initiative and make some adjustments,” observes Bilbrey.

This is an opportunity for us to contribute to the making of a very purposeful, intentional, and exciting change for everyone in Scottsdale, and our students are going to be a part of it.

– Patti Bilbrey, Nutrition Services Director

Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Blue Zones Project, says SUSD’s more than 20 school gardens can play a major role, too. “Echo Canyon is a great example of longtime community members caring about our kids and fresh foods and gardening,” she says. “When students come back saying, ‘My favorite thing was when we planted “x” vegetable and got to cook it in the classroom, that’s a direct impact they’re having five, 10 years down the road.”

“Really, Blue Zones is about the whole body’s well-being,” Kearney continues. “Not only is the nutrition our children get in the cafeteria important, it’s also about opportunities to downshift and de-stress from the growing anxiety we see in them, and taking care of our teachers and our staff, and ensuring that their well-being is supported.”

“Ultimately, this work impacts the entire community and all of its spaces and places,” she concludes. “Schools are just one of the many components.”

The SUSD Coloring Book GROW WITH SUSD

We are thrilled to share the first-ever district coloring book, Grow with sUSd. The book takes families on a visual tour of the educational experiences available to a Scottsdale Unified student, from the age of two, all the way through high school graduation.

This beautifully illustrated publication is also a valuable tool for families to learn more about the unique programs and opportunities available to students during their SUSD academic journey. What makes this project even more special is that the illustrations were crafted by a very talented Chaparral High School junior, Jackson Washburn, showcasing some of the incredible skills our students develop while enrolled with us.

"Art has the power to inspire, and I hope my illustrations will ignite curiosity and excitement in the kids who color the pages,” said Washburn. “Being part of a project and district that celebrates diverse opportunities and programs has been an incredible experience.”

“Visual storytelling has a powerful effect,” Washburn continued, “and I'm honored to contribute to a resource that bridges the connection between families and the educational adventure that kids at Scottsdale schools experience."

On Grow with SUSd’s pages, you'll find a colorful narrative that captures the essence of SUSD’s commitment to provide a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. From early childhood programs to unique middle school opportunities and specialized programs in high school, this book serves as a guide for families to discover the exciting path ahead for their students.

We hope you enjoy coloring the pages as much as we enjoyed creating them!

Art has the power to inspire, and I hope my illustrations will ignite curiosity and excitement in the kids who color the pages.

- Jackson Washburn, Chaparral Student

TheScottsdale Family ArtsFest, held on March 22 and 23, brought together Arizona State University, SUSD, the City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Arts, and the SkySong team for a vibrant community celebration. Over two days, attendees enjoyed performances by school bands, choirs, and orchestras, as well as captivating theatrical showcases. The event also offered interactive arts activities from Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovations, demonstrations from city departments, and unique culinary offerings from local food trucks, creating a memorable experience for families and art enthusiasts alike.

BIG DREAMS Little Learners

Kindergarten at SUSD

For more than 125 years, SUSD has stood as the premier choice for families seeking unparalleled education from kindergarten through Grade 12.

Led by highly experienced, state-certified educators, our 29 schools, along with our online high school program, provide a diverse and rigorous educational journey for every learner.

"Kindergarten lays down the foundational skills for academic success," said Sarah Prado, who teaches kindergarten at Copper Ridge School. “We work with our community and families to ensure that every child feels welcomed, loved, and supported.”

With a focus on reading, writing, math, and social/emotional development, our educators instill critical thinking and problem-solving skills that pave the way for lifelong learning.

SUSD proudly provides free, full-day kindergarten, ensuring ample time for your child's holistic development. Enrollment for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year is now officially open, with rolling enrollment available for the current academic year. Come experience the SUSD difference firsthand by scheduling a school tour and enrolling your child today. Join our community, where every child is embraced, cherished, and empowered to thrive.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS: SUSD's Innovative CTE Program

SUSD is committed to preparing students for successful careers through its robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. With 16 diverse career pathways to choose from, including culinary arts, biotechnology, criminal justice, nursing, sports medicine, and film & TV production, students have the opportunity to explore their interests and gain valuable skills for future professions. SUSD takes pride in offering these innovative pathways that empower students to pursue their passions and thrive in their chosen fields.

SUSD Students Thrive in the Artistic Excellence: Arts

SUSD's commitment to Fine Arts education was on full display again this school year. From theatrical productions, to concert stages, to the annual Parada del Sol, our students perform at the very highest levels, both near and far.

SUSD ATHLETICS

SUSD is proud to offer exciting opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in a variety of sports. From softball and tennis to baseball and track and field, student athletes are actively engaged in competitive and enriching athletic experiences. Take a glimpse into the dynamic world of SUSD sports through these captivating photos showcasing the dedication and teamwork displayed by our athletes on the field and court. Whether it's hitting home runs, serving aces, or sprinting to the finish line, SUSD athletics embody a spirit of excellence and sportsmanship that inspires our entire community.

 Early Learning (2’s, 3’s & 4’s)

 Dual Language Immersion (Mandarin & Spanish)

 Gifted Learning

 Special Education

 STEM-Certified Schools

 Math & Science Academy

 K-12 International Baccalaureate Programme

 Career & Technical Education

 Advanced Placement (AP) & Honors

 A+ Schools of Excellence

 National Blue Ribbon School

 Traditional School

 Award-Winning Fine & Performing Arts

 Championship Athletics