From Classroom Triumphs to Summer Vibes: Your Guide to Learning All Season

What a fantastic school year it has been! As we wrap up another chapter filled with growth, learning, and countless achievements, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible dedication of our students and teachers. Together, you made this year truly memorable ‒ embracing challenges, discovering new talents, and building a vibrant learning community. Thank you for your hard work and passion that made it all possible!

The excitement didn’t stop there though. Last week, we hosted our Summer Professional Development Institute, turning up the energy with the theme “Teachella: A Festival of Learning.” Over three dynamic days ‒May 27, 28, and 29 ‒ teachers from pre-K through grade 12 engaged in more than 50 enriching sessions designed to inspire and enhance teaching skills across a variety of subjects.

Whether our educators are passionate about core subjects, eager to explore specialty training in the arts, or interested in digital innovation and AVID strategies, there was something for everyone. This festival-style PD also provided valuable time for collaboration with colleagues and curriculum coaches from across the district, fostering fresh ideas and meaningful connections. It was the perfect way to recharge, learn, and prepare for the year ahead.

But summer learning isn’t just for teachers! We encourage all students in grades K-12 to stay engaged and keep their brains sharp during the break by exploring our independent summer enrichment options. SUSD’s summer enrichment website offers a treasure trove of activities designed to make learning fun and accessible outside the classroom.

From the IXL Summer Boost programs in Language Arts and Math to creative Choice Boards and community-based opportunities like the City of Scottsdale’s Color Our World Summer Reading Challenge, there are plenty of ways to continue growing this summer. These resources help students maintain momentum and return to school ready to succeed.

Students and families can easily access all these enrichment activities by clicking this link. We’re excited to support our learners every step of the way ‒ even when school is out!

As we celebrate the close of this amazing school year, let’s also look forward with enthusiasm to the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re a teacher who dove into Teachella’s Festival of Learning or a student eager to explore summer enrichment activities, there’s so much to discover and enjoy between now and August.

Thank you once again to our incredible students, teachers, and families for making this year outstanding. Have a joyful, restful summer ‒ and we can’t wait to see you back, refreshed and inspired for another great year!

Perfect ACT Scores!

Congratulations to these members of SUSD’s Class of 2026 (juniors this past school year) who received perfect scores of 36 on the ACT Test that they took in April!

Arcadia:
Cian Fehlberg, Reed Schultz

Chaparral:
Sydney Beaumont, Jackson Nelson, Aidan Primack

Desert Mountain:
Rena Cheong, Freya Karve, Adam Nieckarz, Aman Patel, Mai Piel, Elizabeth Shen, Lyla Yango

On average, 0.22% of ACT test takers receive a perfect score each year.  An estimated 1.3 million high school juniors take the ACT each spring.

2025 National Merit Scholars

With one last public announcement yet to come on July 14, nine members of Scottsdale Unified’s Class of 2025 so far have learned that they will receive National Merit Scholarships.

Meredith Gerken, Desert Mountain High School, who plans to study veterinary medicine, is one of just 830 seniors across the United States to receive a Corporate-Sponsored scholarship this year.  Hers is made possible by General Dynamics Corporation.

Ashley Fu, Chaparral High School, who intends to study materials engineering, and Gray Richardson, Saguaro High School, who will pursue chemistry studies, are two out of 2,500 graduated U.S. seniors who will receive $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The most recent announcement – out just today, in fact –  names the following students as recipients of 2025 College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships worth between $500 and $2,000 a year for up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsoring institution of higher learning:

• Victoria Bourgeois-Conti, Arcadia HS – Fordham University
  • Possible Career Field: Dance
• Endrias Abebe, Chaparral HS – Arizona State University
  • Possible Career Field: Investment Banking
• Adriana Chen,  Desert Mountain HS – Tufts University
  • Possible Career Field: Biochemical Engineering
• Taytum Feuerbacher, Desert Mountain HS – Arizona State University
  • Possible Career Field: Environmental Engineering
• Adam Fruehe, Desert Mountain HS – Arizona State University
  • Possible Career Field: Chemical Engineering
• Lauren Parton, Desert Mountain HS – Arizona State University
  • Possible Career Field: Biomedical Engineering

All of these seniors’ roads to winning these prestigious scholarships began in the fall of their junior year when they took the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  Their scores were among the highest in Arizona and represent less than one percent of the nation’s Class of 2025.

Last September, they were named Semifinalists and offered the opportunity to continue in the competition.  In January, they became Finalists.

When the books close on the 2025 program next month, just under 7,000 high school seniors nationwide will have earned the title of “Merit Scholar” who between them will be awarded nearly $26 million for their college studies.  Congratulations! 🎉🏆

SUSD’s Class of 2025

Yes, this year’s graduating class is another amazing one!  Every year’s graduates seem to top the previous year’s class in one way or another.

We want to take the opportunity here to heartily congratulate our fabulous Class of 2025, which has been working so diligently the past four years to earn Arizona Department of Education Diploma Seals.

As we continue to grow the state seals program in our World Languages, Social Studies, and Fine Arts curriculum areas, we are proud to recognize this year’s …

• 229 recipients of the ADE Seal of Biliteracy
• 115 recipients of the ADE Seal of Arts Proficiency
• 81 recipients of the state Seal of Personal Finance and, new this year
• 2 recipients of the new state Seal of Civics Literacy

These students took their learning above and beyond what is expected of them to reach new heights in areas of particular interest to them and which they may very well pursue college degrees and careers.

Congratulations, Class of 2025, and deepest appreciation to your teachers, mentors and families who helped you earn the state seals that are now affixed to your diplomas!

Learn More at the Source

Celebrating the Culmination of K-12 Education:
Graduation Excitement for the Class of 2025

As we approach graduation in a few weeks’ time, the excitement is palpable for our students concluding their K-12 journey. This milestone not only signifies the end of high school but also the beginning of new opportunities and adventures.

We are thrilled to announce the introduction of the Latin honors system for the Class of 2025, recognizing outstanding academic achievement. This system includes Summa Cum Laude (4.5+ GPA), Magna Cum Laude (4.25-4.49 GPA), and Cum Laude (3.75-4.24 GPA).

The rationale behind this initiative stems from the competitive landscape of college admissions. In-state merit scholarships rely heavily on GPA, as determined by the Arizona Board of Regents, while out-of-state universities evaluate a variety of factors. These include course rigor, test scores, grades, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and extracurricular activities.

Colleges have reported that ranking students numerically can negatively impact their applications, prompting us to thoughtfully shift our focus toward academic honors that celebrate individual accomplishments without the pressure of numerical rankings. As our students prepare to graduate, we look forward to celebrating their hard work and dedication while setting them up for future success.

Let’s make this graduation unforgettable!

Celebrating Our First-Year Teachers

We are also excited to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our first-year teachers at the Beginning Teacher Celebration on May 14. This event is a wonderful way to bookend the school year, recognizing the hard work and dedication these educators have shown throughout their first year with Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD).

We began the year by welcoming our new educators to our district at the New Teacher Orientation, at which they were introduced to the supportive and collaborative environment that defines SUSD. 

Since then, our first-year teachers have made a significant, positive impact on student learning and have become invaluable additions to each school campus. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and innovative teaching methods have enriched our classrooms and inspired our students.

In SUSD, we are proud of our high teacher-retention rates, which reflect the success of our New Teacher Induction and Mentoring program. This program has been instrumental in supporting the growth of our first-year teachers, providing them with the guidance and resources needed to navigate their first year. Through mentorship, professional development, and a strong support network, we have helped these educators thrive and overcome the challenges of their initial year in teaching.

We look forward to seeing their continued success with SUSD in the years to come!

Adventures in Calculus: A Journey to Calc Camp!

Earlier this month, teachers from Arcadia, Desert Mountain, and Coronado embarked on an exciting adventure, taking 121 eager students to Prescott for a transformative experience known as Calculus Camp. This three-day, two-night retreat is more than just an escape into nature: it’s an intensive preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus exam.

The teachers dedicate their time and energy to ensure students grasp the intricacies of calculus in a supportive environment. Each year, the challenges seem to grow, pushing both educators and students to new heights. Despite the exhaustion that comes from the rigorous schedule, the commitment of these teachers shines through, showcasing their passion for student success.

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Prescott, students have the chance to connect with nature ‒encounters with deer and even a passing javelina added to the camp's charm this year. With limited cell service, students are encouraged to unplug and engage socially, fostering friendships and collaboration in a way that a typical classroom setting might not allow.

Calc Camp isn’t just about calculus: it’s about building a community of learners that supports one another through challenges, both academic and social. This unique experience prepares them not only for the AP exam, but also for the journey ahead.

All Robot Roads Lead to Houston

A dozen members of Saguaro High School’s robotics team competed in the 2025 FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston last month.  We’re told the students did well in their judging interviews and won about half the matches they played against, coming up against some amazing robots brought by high school robotics teams from around the country and the world.  Team 4146 also learned about the U.S. space program during a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which is also located in Houston, and attended multiple conferences covering such topics as college admissions, career opportunities and leveraging the FIRST experience for future success.  Last but not least, FIRST hosted a “RoboProm” for event competitors, providing an opportunity for our Sabercats to network on the dance floor!

Learn More at the Source

Scholarships and Academic Recognition:

Celebrating Student Achievements and Community Partnerships in Scottsdale Unified School District

The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is dedicated to fostering collaboration with local community groups through various competitions and activities that enhance student learning and engagement. Three notable competitions exemplifying this partnership are the Honoring Vietnam Veterans Writing Contest, the Barry M. Goldwater Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Arizona State SAR Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest, and the National History Day competition.

The Honoring Vietnam Veterans Writing Contest recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam veterans while encouraging high school students to engage with themes of courage, resilience, and gratitude. This new initiative, supported by the community organization Scottsdale for Veterans, inspires students to reflect on the impact of veteran service and honor their legacy. Through creative submissions, students showcase their writing talents while deepening their understanding of history and civic responsibility. Lizeth Mitre Meza, a junior at Arcadia High School, received the top prize for her poem, “A Glow That Never Dies,” which she presented at a memorial ceremony for Vietnam veterans in Scottsdale, further emphasizing the connection between schools and the community.

The Arizona State SAR Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest illustrates another collaboration between SUSD and community organizations. This competition invites middle school students to create informative brochures focused on the United States’ foundational documents. Partnering with the local Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) organization, the contest promotes historical awareness while allowing students to explore their creativity and critical-thinking skills. Students’ outstanding work, including brochures on the Bill of Rights and other significant historical events, reflects their engagement with the community and dedication to learning. Notably, Tonalea Middle School students Joseph Mascarino, Cavan Camerman, and Fabian Marquez Rodriguez were recognized for their exceptional contributions, with Joseph and Cavan earning first and second place at the state level, respectively. Joseph will represent Arizona at the national competition.

Lastly, the recent National History Day competition showcases how SUSD students collaborate with local community groups to explore historical topics in depth. A 7^th grade team from Mohave Middle School comprised of Jack Morgan, Grahm Hardy, and Cole Masingill, recently competed in the regional competition and qualified for the state level with their project on civilian rights during wartimes, focusing on the responsibilities of countries under the Geneva Conventions. Their project highlights research and presentation skills while connecting them with community historians and organizations that support their learning journey. As they prepare for the state competition, these students have the chance to further engage with their community and potentially qualify for the national competition in Washington, D.C.

All of these competitions illustrate the power of collaboration between schools and community groups in Scottsdale and beyond. By working together, enriching educational experiences are created that inspire students, cultivate civic responsibility, and promote a culture of excellence within the community. Through these initiatives, students are empowered to actively participate in their education, developing a greater appreciation for the world around them. By integrating community involvement into the educational framework, SUSD enhances student learning and strengthens the ties that connect schools and communities, fostering a more informed, engaged, and compassionate society.

Learn More at the Source

Test Time Triumph: Gear Up for Success!

AASA is the statewide achievement test for Arizona students in Grades 3-8.  All Arizona public school students in Grades 3-8 will take the grade level AASA assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics in April.  Your support at home is essential in reinforcing the importance of these assessments.

To help your child prepare in the coming weeks for this assessment, we encourage you to utilize the IXL.  This can be found on your student’s Clever Dashboard.  It is a valuable resource for practicing skills that will be assessed.  IXL has Skills Plans designed to prepare and review for the assessment.  Your child can select skills in which they feel they could benefit from additional practice.  Here is a video showing an elementary school and middle school student how to access AASA Skills Plans on IXL, which can guide you in supporting your child's learning.

If you are looking for more information about ways to support your child.  Here are a few resources to help you out. 

• Helpful hints by Arizona PBS 
• Arizona Department of Education Resources
• Arizona Achievement Student Readiness Tool (SRT) - an online platform that provides examples and video tutorials on how to navigate the AASA and AzSCI tests. 

SUSD Seniors Vying for National and State Recognitions

Victoria Bourgeois-Conti from Arcadia High School, as well as Daniel Bucher and Iulia Musat from Chaparral High School are candidates for the prestigious 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars program.  The program, established in 1964, recognizes the accomplishments of some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields (CTE).  Application is by invitation only.   Students chosen as U.S Presidential Scholars receive a Presidential medallion and take part in online recognition ceremony in June.

Iulia is also a finalist for the Arizona-based Flinn Scholarship!  A Flinn, now in its 40^th year, is valued at more than $135,000 and provides full-ride funding to one of the state’s three public universities and at least two study-abroad experiences.  More than 1,100 applications were submitted last fall; just 36 students remain in the running for 20 or so scholarships.

Last, but not least, 22 SUSD seniors have made it to the Finalist stage of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.  They are:

• Arcadia:  Victoria Bourgeois-Conti, Annabelle DeHaan, Aidan McClure, Jenna Mukavitz, Ari Schott, William Steen Koppell
• Chaparral:  Endrias Abebe, Ashley Fu, Kaitlin Kim
• Desert Mountain: Adriana Chen, Jordan Falls, Maximilien Farkas, Taytum Feuerbacher, Adam Fruehe, Meredith Gerken, Nandini Gopalakrishnan, Madeline Naidu, Lauren Parton, Jazlyn Sandhu, Sonia Woo
• Saguaro:  Taylor Mobley, Gray Richardson

We also want to congratulate Chaparral senior Katrina Koppikar for her nomination to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.  She will represent Arizona as an alternate this year.

Chaparral Junior’s STEM Research Winning Accolades

Aditya Tyagi will be headed to Virginia next month to represent Arizona in the 63^rd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS).  He is one of just five Arizona high school students to be selected.  Working in collaboration with a university professor, his original STEM research, titled “The Emotional Resonance of Music: Exploring the Interplay of Frequency, Empathy and Therapeutic Effects,” is getting national attention from the U.S. Defense Department.

Aditya will compete against more than 200 fellow student researchers at the event for scholarships and other awards. JSHS conducts regional and national symposia each year to expose high school students to cutting-edge defense STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) research and technologies, in hopes of widening the nation’s pool of top researchers.  Congratulations, Aditya!

DCES Competes in State Mandarin Contest

(photo)
The fourth grade-duo of Taylor Niesz and Kyna Lewis brought home third-place trophies in the recent CLTA AZ Chinese Mandarin Speech Contest held at Arizona State University.  Students of Desert Canyon Elementary’s dual language Mandarin immersion program, they were among the 100 students who advanced to the competition’s second round. Joining them in the competition’s first round were classmates Ari Leung, David Mathes, Riley McDonald, Reynolds Shaw, Reese Rahaeuser, Jenabelle Higuera-Gamboa, Hudson Hohle, Diego Valdez, Gemma Treasure, Kaia Lewis and Lily Nuzbach.

Learn More at the Source

Arizona's Seal of Biliteracy and Dual Language Immersion Programs in Scottsdale Unified School District

Celebrating Multilingual Excellence: The Seal of Biliteracy

The Arizona Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition awarded to high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This program, established by the Arizona Department of Education, aims to honor students' linguistic capabilities and cultural literacy, preparing them for a globalized world.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet several criteria. They need to complete all required English Language Arts courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and pass an English proficiency exam. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in another language through approved assessments.  SUSD utilizes the STAMP test to assess reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the second language.  This seal is not just a mark of academic achievement but also a testament to the students' dedication to mastering multiple languages, which can significantly enhance their career prospects and cultural understanding.

The benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy extend beyond individual recognition. It promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, which are increasingly valuable in our interconnected world. Students who achieve this seal are better equipped for the workforce, where multilingual skills are in high demand. Moreover, the program fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and languages, strengthening community ties and promoting inclusivity.

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Programs in Scottsdale Unified School District

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is a leader in promoting bilingual education through its robust Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. These programs are designed to immerse students in two languages, providing them with the skills needed to become proficient in both.

Pueblo Elementary School offers a Spanish DLI program in which students spend half of their day learning in Spanish and the other half in English. This immersive approach covers core subjects such as social studies, science, and language arts, helping students achieve fluency in Spanish while maintaining strong English skills. The program not only enhances language proficiency but also boosts cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Desert Canyon Elementary School provides a Mandarin DLI program. Here, students split their day between Mandarin and English instruction, covering various subjects in both languages. This method ensures that students develop strong language skills in Mandarin while continuing their education in English.

As students progress to middle school, the DLI program continues to support their bilingual education. At Desert Canyon Middle School, students receive 40% of their instruction in Mandarin, covering Science and Mandarin language courses. By the end of 8th grade, students in the Mandarin DLI program will have completed high school Mandarin Level II, setting a strong foundation for advanced language studies in high school.

Mohave Middle School also offers a Spanish DLI program. Middle school students in this program receive two periods a day in Spanish through immersion methods. In 6th grade, they study Science and Social Studies in Spanish, while in 7th and 8th grades, they continue with Social Studies and Spanish I. By the end of 8th grade, students in the Spanish DLI program will have completed high school Spanish Level  II. 

The DLI programs in SUSD are designed to create bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware students. These programs not only enhance students' language skills but also prepare them for a multicultural world, fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.

In conclusion, Arizona's Seal of Biliteracy and the Dual Language Immersion programs in Scottsdale Unified School District are pivotal in promoting multilingualism and cultural literacy among students. These initiatives not only recognize and reward students' language achievements but also prepare them for a diverse and interconnected world, enriching their educational experience and future opportunities.

To learn more visit susd.org or a DLI school website!

SUSD Celebrates New & Renewed National Board Educators

At the Jan. 7 Governing Board meeting, the SUSD community rolled out the red carpet for 15 of our K-12 teachers to celebrate their certifications to National Board Standards.  National Board certification is a rigorous, voluntary program through which teachers put their teaching practices under a microscope to determine how they can become even better teachers for their students. 

It is an exhaustive process that only about 10% of U.S. teachers attempt, and of that 10%, roughly 60% are successful.  The road toward initial National Board certification can take as long as three years.  Current National Board teachers undergo re-evaluation every five years to maintain their certificates.

We are so proud of our four newly certified teachers:

Additionally, 15 equally committed-to-their craft SUSD educators have renewed their National Board certifications this year:

Congratulations, SUSD Teachers!

This year’s new and renewed certifications bring SUSD’s total of National Board teachers up to 76, one of the highest numbers among Arizona public school districts.  

SUSD encourages teachers to pursue National Board certification and is grateful to the SUSD Foundation for its financial support of our educators in this journey.