Scottsdale schools invite community to informational focus session

The Scottsdale Unified School District invites parents, students, employees, and community members to attend an informational focus session from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Saguaro High School auditorium, 6250 N. 82nd Street, Scottsdale.

“‘Focus on All Students: Placing Our Magnifying Glass on Student Achievement’ is designed to elicit community input regarding the needs of all of our students, and how our district is meeting those needs,” said Superintendent Barbara F. Erwin.

“A number of student representatives and community leaders will be among the scheduled speakers at the event,” said Academic Officer Katy Cavanagh.

Also on the program is a brief presentation of the district’s vision and strategy. “Setting the standard in Arizona for world-class education, guaranteeing learning one student at a time,” is the mission statement embraced by the board at its Aug. 19 meeting following a two-day planning session held earlier that month.

“We are striving for 100 percent of our schools to be on track toward acquiring the excelling profile from the state under Arizona Learns, and for 100 percent of all students to demonstrate measurable gains every year,” Dr. Erwin said.

Nearly 63 percent of SUSD’s schools received the “excelling” designation Oct. 15 from the Arizona Department of Education. Another three schools were designated “highly performing,” and eight schools were ranked “performing.”

“These distinctions clearly show that the Scottsdale Unified School District is well on its way to meeting its mission,” Dr. Erwin said.

In order to reach 100 percent, the board and administration have set several strategic imperatives, including the use of data to design effective, individual learning programs for all students. Mrs. Cavanagh’s role is to assist schools in meeting the strategic imperatives. Additional information about the district’s strategic imperatives is available on the Web at: www.susd.org/district/districtinfo/index.asp

There also will be interpreters available for the Hispanic community. The informational focus session will be taped by Arcadia high school media students under the leadership of teacher David Cornelius. The district is working with the city to have it aired on city cable channels.
#