Thank you to the Coronado Foundation for the Future and the Scottsdale Charros for awarding 34 Promise Scholarships to deserving graduates of Coronado High School’s Class of 2025. Each scholarship provides up to $6,000 in post-secondary funding for students attending a community college or trade school.
Celebrating Our Promise Scholars
Thank you to the Coronado Foundation for the Future and the Scottsdale Charros for awarding 34 Promise Scholarships to deserving graduates of Coronado High School’s Class of 2025. Each scholarship provides up to $6,000 in post-secondary funding for students attending a community college or trade school.
This year’s cohort of Promise Scholars is truly exceptional. Among them are future nurses, teachers, dentists, athletic trainers, and business leaders ‒ young adults who will undoubtedly go on to make a difference in their communities. Many are JAG students, marching band leaders, Career and Technical Education (CTE) completers, and proud Dons who are already leading by example.
We could not be prouder of these students. Their achievements reflect not only their determination and resilience, but also the incredible support system around them, from their families and teachers to our dedicated partners.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Coronado Foundation for the Future and the Scottsdale Charros for believing in our students and investing in their futures. Your partnership is opening doors and creating lasting opportunities that will impact generations to come.
Scottsdale Charros Celebrate Excellence in Education
We are grateful to the Scottsdale Charros for their ongoing partnership and their commitment to recognizing excellence across Scottsdale Unified School District. Each year, the Charros shine a spotlight on our outstanding educators, students, and future teachers through meaningful awards and scholarships that both uplift and inspire.
Their support not only honors individual achievement but strengthens our community by investing in the future of public education.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Scottsdale Charros Outstanding Teachers and Students awards, and to Dr. Milissa Sackos, SUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, the recipient of the Charros’ second annual Dr. John Kriekard Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thank you, Charros, for being champions of our mission and for making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Scottsdale Education Foundation’s Golf Tournament Brings Community Together
Last month, the Scottsdale Education Foundation hosted another successful golf tournament at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, bringing together business leaders, educators, and community members in support of Scottsdale Unified School District.
This annual event does more than offer a great day on the greens: it directly supports SUSD’s commitment to innovation, unique program offerings, and student safety. Funds raised at the tournament help enhance educational opportunities across our schools and fuel initiatives that set SUSD apart.
One example is the expansion of our Crisis Canine Program. Thanks to community support through events like the Foundation’s annual golf tournament, SUSD now has crisis canines serving four of our five learning communities, with plans for a fifth dog in the works. These trained canines play a vital role in supporting students and staff during times of stress, trauma, or crisis.
We are thankful to the Scottsdale Education Foundation and to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who made this event possible again this year.
Five SUSD Schools Now in the Zone … the Blue Zone
We’re proud to share that five Scottsdale Unified School District schools ‒ Echo Canyon, Anasazi Elementary, Pima Elementary, Sequoya Elementary and Cocopah Middle School ‒ are now officially Blue Zones Project® Scottsdale-approved!
This designation reflects a schoolwide commitment to student and staff health, well-being, and sustainability. From school gardens and walking clubs to wellness lessons and healthy celebrations, each campus has embraced the mission of creating environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
The Blue Zones Project®, inspired by research from National Geographic and supported locally by HonorHealth®, The Cigna Group, and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, encourages small, sustainable changes that lead to longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community partners who helped bring this vision to life. More SUSD campuses are already working toward approval.
A Night to Remember: SUSD Families Experience the Magic of MIM
The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is fortunate to have an incredible partnership with the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). Over the years, the MIM has graciously hosted countless SUSD field trips at no cost, provided internship opportunities, and offered professional development for teachers eager to integrate the arts into their classrooms. It is a relationship that has enriched the lives of thousands of students and staff alike.
Most recently, the MIM extended its generosity even further by welcoming all SUSD families to experience a special night at the museum at no cost. This event gave students the opportunity to proudly share their favorite exhibits with their families, bringing their classroom learning home. It was a night filled with discovery, music, and the joy of learning together.
We want to thank the MIM for its ongoing support of SUSD students and the larger community. If you haven’t explored this special place yet, we encourage you to plan a visit, attend an evening event, or catch one of its many concerts.
Learn more and plan your visit: MIM.org
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong: A Celebration of Student Creativity
The Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong returned for its third year, bringing together thousands of community members for a two-day celebration of visual and performing arts created by SUSD students.
Held on March 21-22, the festival was an inspiring display of creativity, featuring student performances, interactive arts activities, and community engagement.
Families enjoyed stunning exhibits showcasing the artistic talents of SUSD students, live performances from choirs, orchestras, and theater groups, and interactive demonstrations from community partners like Scottsdale Arts, the City of Scottsdale, and Arizona State University. The event also featured hands-on activities led by prominent community organizations such as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale Artists’ School, and Blue Zones Project Scottsdale.
A major highlight was the Alli Ortega Empty Bowls Fundraiser, where attendees purchased handcrafted bowls made by students and local artists, raising funds to support Scottsdale Community Partners’ programs, including the Vista del Camino Food Bank and the Healthy Packs weekend food program.
The event was a true testament to the power of the arts in education and the power of community partnerships. Thank you to our partners for making this event possible!
You can learn more about this event and our continued partnership with Scottsdale Arts in this recent SUSD Spotlight podcast.
Chaparral Learning Garden
Exciting times at Chaparral High School, where the ribbon has been cut and soon the new Learning Garden will take root – literally! This is a project spearheaded by science teacher Jennifer MacColl and her dedicated zoology and botany students. This initiative is supported by Trammell Crow Company, whose sponsorship and landscape-design expertise have been instrumental in bringing this horticultural dream to life.
A special thank you to Superintendent Menzel, Principal Pantier, Scottsdale City Councilwomen Caputi and Janik, and the Trammell Crow team for joining us for this momentous event. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of community partnerships in enhancing education and fostering sustainability.
We can’t wait to see this garden bloom into a beautiful space for hands-on learning and inspiration!
Albertsons/Safeway Foundation Supports SUSD
Thank you to Safeway for including us in the ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening of their store at Scottsdale and Shea.
We were thrilled to have the talented Chaparral High School marching band kick off the celebration in style, energizing the event and delighting everyone with their performance as they marched through the store aisles.
A special thanks to the Safeway Foundation, part of the Albertsons Companies Foundations, for its incredible generosity: a $30,000 donation to support food banks at our schools, as well as $2,500 contributions to 13 of our schools:
- Hohokam Elementary School
- Navajo Elementary School
- Pima Elementary School
- Redfield Elementary School
- Tavan Elementary
- Yavapai Elementary School
- Echo Canyon K-8
- Ingleside Middle School
- Mohave Middle School
- Tonalea Middle School
- Arcadia High School
- Chaparral High School Marching Band
- Coronado High School
This level of support is the very definition of community: coming together to lift up those in need and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.
Thank you, Safeway/Albertsons, for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of our SUSD students and families. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community.
Leaders in the Making: Young Professionals Mentoring Future Professionals
On December 12, the first-ever Leaders in the Making: Young Professionals Mentoring Future Professionals event brought energy, inspiration, and collaboration to Scottsdale Community College. Hosted by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals (SRYP), in partnership with SCC and SUSD, this incredible gathering connected SUSD Career and Technical Education (CTE) students with young professionals eager to share their experiences and insights.
The day began with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A session, where SRYP members shared their journeys and answered students’ questions about their industries, career paths, and challenges. The energy only grew during the roundtable conversations, where students had the chance to engage one-on-one with professionals in their areas of study. Get a taste of the event here.
A special thank you to Chick-fil-A for generously providing lunch for the event. Your support helped fuel meaningful conversations and connections throughout the day!
Watching students leave with excitement and hearing their reflections about how valuable the experience was speaks volumes about the impact of this initiative. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential to refine and expand this initiative.
Navajo Elementary Celebrates New Greenhouse with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Navajo Elementary School recently celebrated the unveiling of its new greenhouse with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! This exciting addition to the Buffaloes’ campus is set to transform learning opportunities for students, providing hands-on experiences in gardening, sustainability, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
Congratulations to the entire Navajo team for its dedication to making this vision a reality. Of course, it would not have been possible without funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Empowering Arizona for pursuing the grant opportunity.
This greenhouse is one of only two funded projects in all of Arizona, marking a significant achievement for the Navajo Elementary community. Students will now have the chance to explore environmental science and sustainable practices, sparking curiosity and innovation.
SUSD Thanks Square for Supporting Creativity with a LEGO Donation
Thank you, Square, for your generous donation of LEGO sets to support creativity and innovation in our schools. The donation aligns beautifully with our mission to inspire, motivate and empower all to think critically and act collaboratively.
This incredible partnership began when Square's wider design organization planned an offsite team-building activity at its Old Town Scottsdale office, located within SUSD’s Coronado Learning Community. Their designers ‒ skilled professionals specializing in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design ‒ used LEGO sets to reimagine and build existing or future Square hardware in a friendly, creative competition.
Square’s designers bring unique perspectives to their roles, many having studied art or graphic design before finding their way into the technology industry. Their work, closely intertwined with software engineers, reflects the powerful synergy between creativity and technical expertise.
As part of this inspiring event, Square donated the LEGO sets used in their activity to SUSD, ensuring that our students can continue to benefit from tools that encourage exploration and innovation. These LEGO sets will serve as a valuable resource in classrooms across the district, sparking creativity and fostering a love for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning.
On behalf of our students, teachers, and staff, we thank Square for its thoughtful donation and commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators in Scottsdale. Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration between education and industry.
Thank you, Square, for being a part of our community and investing in our learners!
#ChooseSUSD #CommunityPartnerships #BecauseKids
Thank You to the SUSD Foundation for a Festive and Impactful "Ho Ho Holiday Show"
Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) thanks the SUSD Foundation for hosting its annual "Ho Ho Holiday Shofundraiser last month. This festive event brought our community together in the spirit of celebration and giving.
The SUSD Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities across the district. From funding innovative classroom programs to supporting district-wide initiatives, its efforts make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. This year’s "Ho Ho Holiday Show" was a shining example of the Foundation’s dedication to making a difference.
We are especially grateful to the sponsors whose generosity made this event possible. Your support reflects a shared belief in the value of public education and the transformative power of community partnerships. Together, you help the Foundation and SUSD elevate excellence in learning and achievement.
#ChooseSUSD #HoHoHolidayShow #SUSDFoundation
Starbucks Brews Up Support for SUSD Students and Staff
Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is grateful to the Starbucks location at Hayden and Mountain View for its generous donation of surplus inventory, including cups, mugs, water bottles, and more. Your thoughtful contribution will be used to recognize and reward good behavior among students and to incentivize excellence across our schools.
Positive reinforcement plays a key role in fostering an environment where students and staff feel motivated to #ElevateExcellence. These items will not only serve as tokens of appreciation but also as symbols of the strong community support we are fortunate to have in SUSD.
Thank you, Starbucks!
American Heart Association and Cardinals
The American Heart Association (AHA), in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, delivered 12 CPR training kits to Pima Elementary School to use to provide hands-only CPR training for students. Representatives from Anasazi, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Cochise, Hohokam, Hopi, Kiva, Navajo, Redfield, Tavan, and Yavapai schools also received kits and training so they can able to pass on the knowledge to their students and help keep our community safe. The AHA is partnering with all 32 NFL teams this season to support CPR training in their communities, and SUSD is the grateful beneficiary of the Arizona Cardinals' generosity.
Yavapai and Bikes
Yavapai Elementary School students cruised into the Thanksgiving holiday on new bicycles, courtesy of Strider Bicycles, Law Tigers and Roberts Tax & Retirement. The partners all came together to support Yavapai Elementary School as part of the All Kids Bike program. Employees from Law Tigers and Roberts Tax assembled 24 bikes and surprised the kindergarteners with a big reveal during a recent school assembly.
“We sincerely thank Law Tigers and Roberts Tax for their generous donation of the All Kids Bike Program,” said Yavapai Principal Kelley Perry. “This program will provide our students with a new and exciting way to engage in physical activity, build self-esteem, and develop a lifelong passion for health and fitness.”
The organizations’ $9K donation includes:
- (24) 14-inch student bikes
- (1) 20-inch teacher instruction bike
- (4) boxes of pedal kits
- (2) boxes of helmets
- (2) rolling storage racks
- (1) tool kit
The students can’t wait to hit the “road” on the kindergarten playground, practicing their balance and ultimately learning to peddle.
Let’s keep making a difference together!
Scottsdale Unified School District and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale Partner to Serve South Scottsdale
We are excited to announce a new partnership between the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale to create a dedicated facility on the Tonalea Middle School campus, providing crucial, after-school support to students and families in south Scottsdale. This collaboration is designed to offer students a safe, engaging environment from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., helping them stay off the streets and build productive, enriching lives.
Key features of the facility will include:
- Hot meals every evening to ensure students have access to nutritious food.
- A Maker Space where kids can explore creativity and innovation.
- Art and Education rooms that foster learning and personal growth.
- A media room, complete with podcasting equipment.
- A Performing Arts Center to encourage expression through dance, music, and theater.
As Ivan Gilreath, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale said, “This will be a gem for the community, a gem for the school district, and nothing but good will come from doing this.”
Plans are already underway, with architect Orcutt Winslow and Chasse Building Team leading the project. Fundraising efforts are in progress, and the goal is to break ground in May 2025, with the facility set to open in May 2026. Two major donors have already committed to naming opportunities, marking a significant investment in the future of Scottsdale's youth.
This partnership will make it easier for neighborhood families to find fun, after-school care by reducing transportation barriers and providing everything a child needs to succeed outside of school hours. We look forward to the positive impact this will bring to the community!
Sprouts Helps Yavapai Grow
Many thanks to Phoenix-based natural grocer Sprouts and its Healthy Communities Foundation for their generous support of Yavapai Elementary School’s plans to establish a campus pollinator garden.
On Sept. 7, the assistant manager of the Sprouts store at Miller and Camelback, Rick Navarro, and his crew presented Thunderbirds pre-K teacher Morgan Kane and Assistant Principal Jonathan Vie with a check for $5,000 to help get the garden underway. The ultimate goal, Kane reports, is to establish a way station to support the migratory patterns of Monarch butterflies as they make their way through Arizona during the fall and early spring.
“The garden will provide opportunities for our students to learn about the importance of pollinators, animal life cycles, desert-wise planting, and water-wise sustainability, in addition to building an inviting space for teachers to work with their students outdoors,” says Kane. “The pollinator garden will also complement our campus vegetable garden that is run by our before-school Garden Club!”