This week, the Arizona State Board of Education released district and school letter grades for all public schools statewide. We are proud to share that Scottsdale Unified received an overall A letter grade and 28 of our 30 schools were rated an A or a B. This is a reflection of the hard work of our dedicated staff and students.  For the second year in a row, all of our Title I schools received a letter grade of A or B, as well.  While we recognize there is always room for improvement, it is also important to celebrate good news along the journey. I am grateful to be part of a district and community with such a clear commitment to educational excellence.

Our 15 elementary schools and 3 K-8 schools are excited to host Kindergarten Roundup events this month. These gatherings provide an opportunity for parents to connect with the kindergarten teams, explore our classrooms, and discover the benefits of enrolling their children in SUSD's free, full-day kindergarten program. While enrollmentremains open for the current 2023-24 school year, open enrollment for the 2024-25 school year starts November 1^st; in-boundary families can enroll starting December 1^st.

November is a month filled with many celebrations.  These include:

• Native American Heritage Month is a time when we recognize and honor the heritage, culture, and invaluable contributions of Native Americans. It is a month dedicated to promoting understanding and respect for indigenous peoples, as we celebrate the rich and diverse Native American cultures and histories that have shaped our city, state and nation.
• Veterans Day is on November 11 (and no school on November 10).  We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our nation with honor and courage. 
• American Education Week is celebrated from November 13^th to 17^th. This week allows us to honor the collaborative efforts of the individuals who come together to ensure student success and support in our schools.
• November 15th is designated as Education Support Professionals Day. On this day, we recognize the invaluable contributions of clerical, custodial, health and student services, paraeducators, security personnel, skilled tradespeople, technical staff, and transportation services professionals. These roles play a crucial part in keeping our schools running smoothly and ensuring our students are safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.
• On November 16th, we observe National Parent Involvement Day. Each day, SUSD welcomes visitors and volunteers into our classrooms, often parents and grandparents, dedicated to supporting their students and their peers. We have witnessed the profound positive impact of engaged parents. They are our strongest partners in education, and we are grateful.
• November 17th is dedicated to celebrating substitute teachers. They step in when needed, ensuring that teachers receive the support they require, and students continue to receive quality education without missing a beat.

Election day is on Tuesday, November 7^th. Remember, your ballot had to be mailed by October 31^st. The Mohave District Annex, 8500 E. Jackrabbit Rd., is one of 36 voting locations across Maricopa County, offering the convenience of both ballot drop-off and in-person voting.  

That same day, November 7^th, the district will host a Town Hall meeting at Coronado High School in the Auditorium from 6-7 p.m. Also that evening, Chaparral High School will host SUSD’s annual Marching Band Exhibition from 6-8:30 p.m., showcasing the talents of our students.

National Family Week is celebrated during the week of Thanksgiving. We are thrilled to once again welcome families to join their elementary students in festive feasts. While challenges related to COVID, staffing, and supply chain issues have made this event difficult to organize in recent years, we are grateful to bring back this tradition this year and create cherished memories with our school community. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we encourage you to enjoy quality time with family and friends during the school break which is scheduled from November 22-26.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Scott

Read more at The SUSD Source

October is a special month in education as we celebrate National Principals Month. I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for our dedicated school leaders. Principals play a crucial role in setting the tone for their campuses, impacting our students, staff, and the broader community.

Thank you to all our principals for your unwavering dedication to the success of our students and staff. Your leadership, commitment, and hard work are truly valued and make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we are excited to announce the rollout of a new visitor management system later this month. The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. This system will help us account for every individual spending time on our campuses, whether it's visiting a classroom, volunteering, meeting with a teacher or administrator, or touring our schools.

In tandem with these security measures, we will be increasing security staffing in each learning community to better serve our elementary schools. We sincerely appreciate the support of our community and Governing Board in making this possible. We also encourage qualified individuals to apply for open Security positions.

Chaparral High School will host SUSD's College and Career Fair on Tuesday, October 17^th. We are delighted to have more than 100 colleges and universities participating, along with 15 business partners representing our 16 CTE career pathways. This event offers our students valuable insights into various careers and the paths to post-secondary success. Business partners and SUSD CTE teachers and guidance counselors will be on hand to help guide students toward earning college credit, industry certifications, and real-world experience through internships and work-based learning.

Also this month, Pueblo Elementary School will celebrate a significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new, state-of-the-art school. This marks the final step in the rebuilds associated with the 2016 Bond program and represents another stride forward made possible by our supportive community.

Overcoming student attendance challenges that are still with us, post-COVID-19 pandemic, is a collective effort. To emphasize the importance of regular attendance, SUSD is launching the "Attendance Matters" campaign. We hope to remind students and parents alike about the value of being on time and present every day in class by elevating the voices of those who are most impacted by student absences: students, parents and teachers.

As Fall Break approaches, I encourage you to enjoy this well-deserved time off and relish the cooler fall weather. Let's return rejuvenated and ready to tackle the second quarter together.

Don’t forget the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 10^th.  You can learn more about our Maintenance & Operations Override election here.

Scott

Read more at The SUSD Source

A Strong and Promising Start to 2023-24

It’s hard to believe that we’ve nearly completed the first month of the new school year. Amid the record-breaking summer heat, the start has been strong and our focus on the future is unwavering. 

In line with our commitment to progress, our Governing Board has approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the district. These markers stand as a testament to our dedication to measuring what truly matters. Guided by our five overarching goals, these KPIs are not mere numbers, but are reflections of our aspirations and intricately tied to our commitments, ensuring that our actions are both purposeful and impactful.

The creation of these KPIs was a meticulous process, underscored by our intention to improve student outcomes. We understand that our efforts are not isolated; rather, they are part of the greater vision of engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Every commitment, every initiative, every decision we make is interconnected, leading us towards greater student growth and achievement.

SUSD’s economic impact study, The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Scottsdale Unified School District and the Value of Their High School Graduates, conducted by the Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University and further examined by Rounds Consulting, validates the extent to which Arizona benefits from our district.

We encourage you to check out the study’s highlights at www.susd.org/economicimpact. The SUSD Advantage is the state’s economic advantage, creating a lifetime of positive economic impacts that benefit the city, county and state. We want to thank partners Trammell Crow Company and the City of Scottsdale Economic Development for seeing value in this endeavor, and in us.

Our Maintenance and Operations Override Town Hall events kicked off last evening at Saguaro High School. We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming Override here and join us at one of our four remaining Town Hall events:  

M&O Override Town Halls 6 – 7pm: 

September 5, 2023 – Desert Mountain High School – Library
September 13, 2023 – Arcadia High School – Mt. Olympus
September 19, 2023 – Coronado High School – Auditorium 
September 26, 2023 – Chaparral High School – Auditorium 

You are also invited to attend any or all of our upcoming Learning Community Town Hall events. I look forward to answering stakeholder questions and welcome the opportunity to engage with our community in the meaningful conversations that will continue to propel our district forward.

Learning Community Town Halls 6 – 7pm:

Arcadia High School – September 20, 2023 – Auditorium
Chaparral High School – October 25, 2023 – Auditorium
Coronado High School – November 7, 2023 – Auditorium 
Desert Mountain High School – February 22, 2024 – Library
Saguaro High School – March 20, 2024 – Innovation Center

Fall sports are in full swing and we appreciate our fans who show up to support our student athletes. We want to remind you that all middle school students attending a high school athletic event must be accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian, or designated adult chaperone) and be seated in the stands.  SUSD IDs are required for entry. You can read more about this and our upcoming fall sports schedule in the Athletics blog.

We hope you enjoy the Labor Day weekend and we look forward to seeing your students again next week.

Scott

Dear SUSD,

As we embark on this new school year, we invite you to share in our theme that will guide the 2023-24 educational journey ahead, “because kids!”

This theme places a strong emphasis on understanding and acknowledging the reason behind everything we do while keeping the best interests of children and their academics at heart. Earlier today, we kicked it off with all 2,600 of our SUSD employees united in creating a safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environment. As parents, teachers, support staff and community members, it is up to us to make each interaction count, so each student has the best opportunity to learn.

New this year:

• SUSD will offer the app Stopfinder to advise parents of real-time information about their student’s bus ride to and from school. More information can be found on the district Transportation page here.
  
  
• The district is also excited to launch ParentSquare, a new communication platform that streamlines regular and emergency communications between school and home.  With ParentSquare, parents, teachers, and administrators can easily stay connected and receive prompt updates during crisis situations. Learn more here.
  
  
• Our goal is to create an environment that fosters deep learning, engagement and meaningful interactions among students and teachers. As such, in accordance with the SUSD Student Code of Conduct, we are rolling out a new cell phone policy, Pre-K to 8, called “Away for the Day.” To promote better focus and enhanced learning, students will be expected to keep their cell phones and smart watches turned off and stored away, unless a teacher or administrator specifically authorizes their use. Please do not text or call your student during the school day. Please call the school front office if you need to reach your student.

This fall, SUSD has the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Override on the November 2023 ballot. The current M&O override must be renewed by November of 2024 before funds begin to be reduced by one third each year ($7.3 million), starting in the 2025-26 school year. More information can be found on the SUSD website.

Because kids, this summer, more than 900 SUSD educators attended more than 100 professional development sessions enhancing their skills ahead of the new year. And last week, we welcomed nearly 200 teachers who are new to the district. You can read more about their experience at New Teacher Orientation and their enthusiasm in this month’s Academics blog.

Building Services has also been putting the finishing touches on the final two, major bond projects. You won’t want to miss this month’s Bond Update blog that provides a sneak peek into the brand-new Pueblo Elementary School and newly remodeled Tavan Elementary School.

Again, we look forward to a great year ahead. Thank you for your support of our schools, students and community.

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source

Hello, SUSD staff, families, and community members!

I hope your summer is off to a great start.  The last few weeks were bustling with finals, fine arts, sports contests, and award ceremonies.

More than 1,900 graduates of the Class of 2023 walked across the stage at our high schools on May 24^th, prepared to tackle their next great adventure.  Here are some of their noteworthy accomplishments:

• 50 graduated from Desert Mountain High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, as well as an SUSD diploma
• 44 graduated from the Scottsdale Math & Science Academy based at Saguaro High School
• 42 earned the Coronado Promise Scholarship
• 7 National Merit Scholars (so far)
• 1 Flinn Scholar
• 1 Dorrance Scholarship winner
• 1 Coca Cola Scholarship winner
• 151 Arizona Department of Education Biliteracy Seals in 5 different languages
• 77 Arizona Department of Education Seals of Arts Proficiency

While our graduates head out into the world in pursuit of college and career success, nearly 75 SUSD employees are celebrating the end of their careers, retiring with a combined 1,346 years of service to our students.  Congratulations to them and to the students and colleagues who inspired them along the way. You are all fundamental to our legacy of success.

While we continue to reflect on the accomplishments of the Class of 2023, we also plan for the year ahead.

As we’ve told you, the district is launching a new communication platform this summer to streamline communications for families, provide more robust tools to support staff, and achieve greater reliability and oversight.  The district will deploy ParentSquare on July 1, 2023.  Please check out this 3-Minute Overview of ParentSquare to learn more.

Last month, the Governing Board voted to place a Maintenance and Operating (M&O) Override vote on the November 2023 ballot. The current M&O override must be renewed by November 2024 before funds begin to be reduced by one third each year ($7.3 million), starting in the 2025-26 school year. Seeking this renewal a year ahead of the current override’s expiration provides us with a second opportunity to seek voter approval (on the November 2024 ballot), should this year’s vote not be successful.  This is an approach many districts across the state use with M&O and Capital override elections.  This fall, we will host a Town Hall meeting in each of our five learning communities to answer stakeholders’ questions. More information, along with the dates of our Town Hall meetings, can be found here. Should you have questions before then, we are happy to respond to them through Let’s Talk.  

We appreciate the support of our parents, staff and volunteers who work together to make SUSD world-class.

Thank you for choosing Scottsdale schools, and we look forward to welcoming back our students and staff in August!

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source

Dear Titans, Firebirds, Dons, Wolves, Sabercats, and Scottsdale Online Graduates,

You did it!  Congratulations on your graduation this week from Scottsdale Unified School District!  Over the course of your high school career, you have persevered through some of the most unusual and challenging circumstances to be able to be standing where you are today.

All four years of your high school years were touched, in one way or another, by a global pandemic.  We hope that memories of that difficult time have started receding into the past and that you are taking great joy from all that you have accomplished.  To have been able to manage those times ‒ and to have succeeded in them as brilliantly as you have ‒ is a testament to your character and resilience.  It is also a measure of your friends, family, teachers, and the entire SUSD community.

I never cease to be amazed by you and your fellow members of SUSD’s Class of 2023.  You write.  You create.  You think.  You take the stage, the field, and the court.  When something doesn’t work, you go back to the drawing board and start over.  And you help others.  You excel in so many different ways and in so many different surroundings.

It has been our privilege to have guided your educational journey.  We trust that what you do with this investment will be guided by the same thoughtfulness and intention with which it was provided.  We have done our best to set you on a course for success in your future endeavors.  The rest is up to you.  We have every confidence that you will continue to make us proud!

Best wishes,

Scott A. Menzel, PhD

Superintendent

It is hard to believe the end of the year is upon us. With just three weeks left, I want to commend students, parents, teachers and staff for their commitment to making this year a success. We’re in the home stretch, but not done yet. These final weeks, while exciting, are also critical to maximizing student preparation for next year.

The last day of school is Wednesday, May 24^th. That is an early release day for all students and graduation day for our seniors. As a reminder, our clear bag guidelines will be in place for all five high school graduation ceremonies.

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8^th‒12^th, and we want to celebrate the dedication and profound work of all our educators. We wish to say thank you to our dedicated instructional staff for the lifetime impact they have on our students and community. The job does not come without challenges, but we applaud their devotion to making a difference and inspiring young learners to be future leaders.

At a time when the state and nation grapple with a severe teacher shortage, we are proud to report that 93% of our teachers who were offered contracts have signed them and will continue to serve SUSD. That is a testament to our organization and the support our community shows our teachers.

This week, May 1^st‒7^th is National Physical Education and Sport Week. We’d like to recognize the great impact our P.E. teachers have on student success, health, and wellness.

A well-rounded approach to education and addressing the needs of the whole child is as important in the cafeteria as it is the classroom. May 5^th is School Lunch Hero Day, and we thank SUSD’s Nutrition Services team, affectionally known as Team Awesome, for ensuring every student has access to healthy, nutritious food that, in turn, supports their ability to learn.

We also salute our school nurses this month on National School Nurse Day, May 10^th. Did you know SUSD has a registered nurse at each of our 29 school campuses? Nurses are instrumental in supporting the health and safety of our students and our employees. This year alone, they provided lifesaving supports on more than one occasion, and our community is grateful.

In case you missed it … Pueblo Elementary Principal Shelley Hummon has been named 2023’s National Distinguished Principal representing the state of Arizona! This award is given by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) each year. We are extraordinarily proud of Principal Hummon and her accomplishments at Pueblo Elementary!

We also learned that SUSD is one of six districts in the state of Arizona to receive the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation’s 2023 Best Communities for Music Education designation. Thank you to all of our music educators, who continue to inspire our students through music, spark their creativity, and build their confidence.

Additionally, we owe a great deal of thanks to our partners, most notably the Scottsdale Charros, Coronado Foundation for the Future, Scottsdale Community College and the City of Scottsdale, who kept the Coronado Promise and have provided scholarships to 42 deserving seniors to pursue post-high school education. This community commitment to SUSD and student success is what sets Scottsdale apart.

Even as we wrap up the year and reflect on its many successes, we look forward to the 2023-24 school year and the launch of a new communication platform called ParentSquare. This will be the one-stop-shop for every district, school, teacher and extracurricular activities communication. While ParentSquare will not go live until July 1, we encourage you to check out this quick video to learn more about it. You are not required to register your account or download the app, but you will be invited to do so ahead of the new school year, at which time we hope you will!

We hope everyone can take some time this summer to relax, enjoy friends and family, and plan an escape from the heat, and return recharged and ready for school, Monday, August 7^th.

To the graduating Class of 2023, we bid you a warm farewell. We are confident the knowledge you gained, the work ethic you demonstrated, the friendships you made, and the passions you pursued during your years in SUSD have prepared you for all future endeavors. Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source

This month, the weather is warming up and assessment tests are wrapping up. While there is still much to learn in the next few weeks of school, there is already so much to reflect on and celebrate.

Thank you to those who have already completed our 2022-23 Climate Survey. If not, there is still time. Your perceptions are important and help inform our path forward. The survey is strictly confidential and optional.  It closes Friday, April 14.

We take your feedback to heart and appreciate the opportunity to connect and listen. On Wednesday, April 26, we will host a town hall event at Desert Mountain High School, in the library, at 6 p.m. We hope you can join us. Next year, we will host a similar event in each of our five learning communities to make it convenient for all families to connect with us.

Also, coming soon … SUSD is launching a new program for stakeholders interested in learning more about our District and our schools, our operations (instructional, administrative and support services), finances/economic impact and trending topics. The goal is to create a sense of pride and knowledge among all SUSD stakeholders who benefit from a strong public school district. Community members are invited to apply. A cohort of 40 will be selected. More information, along with the application, can be found here.

SUSD is committed to being transparent and providing stakeholders with an annual accounting of our budget and data collected by the Arizona Department of Education and Auditor General about our operations. The 2021-2022 Annual Report can be found here. It is also linked in the latest SUSD Showcase Magazine. This Spring edition of the magazine focuses on parents as partners. We are grateful for the more than 2,000 volunteers who formally support our students and staff. Many are parents, some are community members, and others are former parents who continue to engage and enrich the lives of our students. To each, we say thank you and encourage others to celebrate you during Public School Volunteer Week, April 17-21. 

Speaking of incredible partners, the 36^th Annual Charros Education Banquet takes place later this month, recognizing an outstanding educator from each of our 30 schools, along with outstanding, graduating seniors from the Class of 2023. We are continually impressed by the world-class, future-focused learning delivered by our committed educators and by their students’ achievements, and we thank the Charros for celebrating their work.

This week, we are celebrating our Assistant Principals, the unsung heroes of education. Please join us in celebrating these school leaders who dedicate themselves to supporting students and staff in creating a safe learning environment for all.

April is also when we celebrate School Library Month and library workers, who, by supporting literacy and access to information, promote lifelong learning. For Scottsdale students, that foundation is built in our Early Learning programs, welcoming toddlers, preschool and pre-kindergarten children to learn. This month, during the Week of the Young Child, we salute those who support our littlest learners.

During this Autism Awareness Month, we are reminded that no two learners are alike, but each is capable of reaching their full potential with the help of our special education team that champions their every success.

Finally, as we continue to pursue strategies aligned with our district Strategic Plan, we are committed to enhancing communication and responsiveness with all stakeholders.  One tool that we offer to make that happen is Let’s Talk. We encourage parents, staff, and communities to submit questions, concerns, and compliments using this tool. The system reports our response times, ensures that the appropriate staff member answers your questions, and tracks customer-satisfaction data over time.  We value our community and look forward to hearing from you as we focus on a strong finish to the 2022-23 school year.

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source

With spring training baseball in full swing, March is a very busy time of year for our community, as well as for our campuses. A number of recognitions this month also provide the opportunity for us to reflect.   

March is Women’s History Month, celebrating the contributions of women who have fought tirelessly for equal opportunity. They are leaders in the community and the world, and champion others at home and in the workplace. This month, we honor the legacy of those trailblazers and celebrate the continued commitment to advancing opportunities for all.

Later this month, we look forward to the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong on March 24-25, a community celebration of SUSD visual and performing arts students. This inaugural event is happening in partnership with Arizona State University, Scottsdale Arts, the City of Scottsdale, and the SkySong development team. We hope to see you there!

This month, we also recognize our school social workers. Did you know that each SUSD school has a social worker assigned to support the individual needs of the students, families and employees of that school? They are instrumental in building meaningful relationships and helping students achieve greater academic success. You can learn more on The SUSD Source Support Services blog.

Make sure to check out all of the ways the SUSD Nutrition team works together to “Fuel the Future” of our students with unique and fun menu items featured all month long, including National School Breakfast Week, March 6-10.

A healthy breakfast and a good night’s sleep will certainly help students, as they get ready for state assessment testing later this month. Our students and staff have worked together all year preparing for this, and we know they are going to be successful.

The third quarter is not even over yet, but already we are planning for summer. Information about high school summer school and summer camps can be found in the Community Education blog.

Recently, we lost Dr. John Kriekard, a community leader and strong supporter of all things SUSD. John wore many hats and served in multiple capacities over the years, but at the core of all he did was his belief that education is the answer to achieving an even better tomorrow. We recently had the chance to reflect on John’s service to our schools, and invite you to read more about his impact here.

Please keep an eye out for the Hanover Climate Survey. We plan to send it out after Spring Break and hope you will take the time to respond.  The feedback you share helps inform our support of all students.

We hope everyone enjoys Spring Break and comes back ready for the fourth quarter and a strong finish to the school year.

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source

Every day, Scottsdale Unified School District students are engaged in inspiring and impactful learning. The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) in the Desert Mountain Learning Community takes it one step beyond, transforming teaching and learning. Anasazi Elementary School became a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in June 2019. This week, we were informed that Anasazi has earned official authorization as an IB PYP World School. Now the district has the complete IB continuum available to students K-12^th grade, with Anasazi students continuing to Mountainside Middle School and then to Desert Mountain High School. Congratulations to Anasazi Principal Jennifer Waldron and her staff, who have been working so hard to bring this opportunity to our community. You can learn more about the district’s IB offerings here.

SUSD is fortunate to have so many parents who are active participants in their students’ education, volunteering in the classroom, supporting learning at home and voting to approve additional funding to support teaching and learning. Parent Day at the Arizona State Capitol is February 15 and is your chance to connect with lawmakers and advocate for your student(s) and K-12 public education. You can learn more about the event here.

The clock is ticking for lawmakers to make a move and override the Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL), an outdated constitutional provision from 1980 that caps how much a school district can spend each fiscal year. Without a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to override the AEL, school districts statewide will have to reduce their budgets by 17.51%, beginning April 1, 2023. For Scottsdale Unified, that equates to $30,196,497, or 45 school days in staffing costs. Imagine the economic impact on the state if the AEL is not addressed. February 28 is the deadline and more information can be found here.

The countdown to Super Bowl LVII is on. While snowbirds and football fans flock to the Valley of the Sun, our schools are also benefiting from the attention. Last month, four of our elementary schools joined some 70 others and participated in the NFL’s Super Kids-Super Sharing event, donating and receiving gently used books, sports equipment, school supplies and games. You can read more about this partnership event and others in the Partnership section of The Source.

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and SUSD prides itself on preparing students for college and a future in the workforce. It all starts in elementary school, when students first become aware of different careers and opportunities that lie ahead. Next year, all SUSD middle school students will have the opportunity to explore the 16 major career clusters the district offers and get hands-on, project-based learning experiences in trending industries, in a course titled "Design My Future." Our high school CTE programs focus on technical and professional skills that prepare students for college and careers. Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and dual enrollment credits. You can learn more about SUSD’s CTE offerings here.

Of course, none of this is possible without teachers who have the proper training, certifications and support. SUSD is a leader in Arizona, with more than 70 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working in our district. Congratulations to our two new and six renewed NBC teachers! You can read more about their accomplishment this month here.

February is also Black History Month. Black history is American history, and those experiences are woven into teaching and learning, year-round.  Scottsdale enjoys a diverse community, and it is imperative that educators are empowered to engage students to think critically, reflect and celebrate Black history as it informs the present and future. Check out the Library of Congress Black History Month website here to learn more about the many contributions of African Americans to the United States.

Spring is around the corner, which also means it is time for families with young children to start the enrollment process for preschool and kindergarten.  For more information on upcoming Kindergarten Roundup events, please visit https://www.susd.org/kinder, or schedule a tour of any one of our 29 schools anytime by visiting https://www.susd.org/tour.

We hope to see you Saturday, February 4 at the 69^th annual Parada del Sol. Please join us in cheering on our middle school and high school marching bands, along with parade entries from Yavapai, Desert Canyon, Navajo, Pima, Kiva, Hohokam, Pueblo and Laguna Elementary schools, Tonalea Middle School, SUSD leadership, and the Cheer lines from Mohave and Saguaro! A link to the parade route through Old Town can be found here.

Remember, Monday, February 20, is Presidents Day ‒ all SUSD schools and offices will be closed.

Sincerely,

Scott

For more on the superintendent's office, visit www.susd.org/superintendent.

Read more at The SUSD Source