Blog
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!”
Conquer Ninja Gyms Helps SUSD Conquer Behaviors
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Conquer Ninja Gyms for its generous donation of free passes to our elementary schools. These passes are being used to incentivize good behavior as part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.
Community partners like Conquer Ninja Gyms play a crucial role in supporting student success. Their contributions help us create a positive and motivating environment for our students, and we are grateful for their continued support.
You can learn more about Conquer Ninja Gyms here.
HonorHealth Supporting SUSD Student Athletes
Fall sports are in full swing, but before our students take to the fields, courts, running course or greens, they must first ensure they're physically ready to play.
So far in 2024, our valued community health partner, HonorHealth, has completed 387 student athlete physicals. The $25 it collects from our families is donated back to the schools the students attend. That has added up to $9,675 so far this year.
But HonorHealth’s support doesn’t stop there. Whether it's near the tee box, on the sidelines, or courtside, HonorHealth is there, looking out for the well-being of our AIA athletes. Its board-certified physicians work closely with our district athletic trainers and assistants to prevent injuries and provide expert care when needed.
We are grateful for this partnership, which plays a vital role in keeping our student athletes healthy, safe, and performing at their best.
You can catch the HonorHealth Sports Medicine crew supporting these SUSD high school sports:
Fall:
- Boys and Girls golf
- Boys and Girls cross country
- Boys and Girls swim and dive
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Freshmen Boys and Girls tennis
- Girls Flag football
- Tackle football
Winter:
- Boys and Girls basketball
- Boys and Girls soccer
- Boys and Girls wrestling
Spring:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Boys and Girls tennis
- Boys and Girls track and field
- Girls beach volleyball
Celebrating the New School Year and Our Commitment to Elevate Excellence:
Reaching New Heights Together!
This week, Scottsdale Unified School District welcomed back all staff and kicked off the new school year at Desert Mountain High School, which hosted the annual Welcome Back Rally. The theme, Elevate Excellence: Reaching New Heights Together, was on full display with our staff decked out in matching shirts exemplifying our #OneTeam spirit.
Our inspiring speaker, Hoan Do, captivated the audience with his motivational insights on resilience and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a positive mindset as we embark on a new academic year.
We are immensely grateful for the support of our community partners who made this event possible. Special thanks to Scottsdale Community College, Albertsons/Safeway, Capital One, and Harkins Theatres for sponsoring the event and contributing to its success. Additionally, we are grateful to all those who provided door prizes, bringing excitement to some lucky employees.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- SUSD Foundation
- McCormick Ranch Golf Club
- Phoenix Rising
- Medieval Times
- Phoenix Suns
- Phoenix Mercury
Your generous support and commitment to our district help us elevate excellence and reach new heights together. As we move forward into the school year, we are reminded of the power of community and the new heights we can reach together when we unite as #OneTeam.
DeFusco Law and Community Donors Support SUSD Teachers
Every year since 2018, DeFusco Law has coordinated donations to award stipends to SUSD teachers, helping them purchase much-needed classroom supplies. This initiative continues to grow, and this semester, 19 dedicated teachers will receive stipends, thanks to the generous contributions from our community.
Thank you to the following donors who made this possible:
- Anonymous SUSD Family
- Mara Siegel, Attorney at Law
- Phoenix Mountain Animal Hospital
- Retired SUSD Educator
- SUSD Graduate
The support of these donors highlights the ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our students. Their contributions ensure that teachers can create optimal learning environments without bearing the financial burden alone.
We know many teachers spend their own money to create even more meaningful classroom experiences. If you’re interested in joining this effort and supporting our teachers, there is still a stack of applicants seeking assistance. For more information on how you can help, please contact info@defuscolaw.com.
A Heart-Healthy Partnership
Together, SUSD and the American Heart Association made a big impact in the 2023-2024 school year.
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs are designed to inspire students and families to become leaders of health in their communities by developing heart-healthy habits and raising lifesaving donations.
Here are some highlights from our partnership this year:
- Schools Involved:
- Fundraising Achievement: Our district collectively raised an impressive $18,772 in contributions for the American Heart Association. These funds will go towards lifesaving research and community health initiatives.
- Community Impact: Through our partnership, 2,877 SUSD families were positively impacted by the resources and educational programs provided by the American Heart Association.
- Lifesaving Skills: 53 students took part in learning the lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR and stroke warning signs by watching instructional videos and completing Finn’s Mission.
As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the American Heart Association to promote heart health and education across our district. Together, we are making a difference and creating a healthier future for our students and community.
#SUSDHeartHealthy #KidsHeartChallenge #ElevateExcellence
New Teacher Orientation
Cherokee Elementary School hosted this year’s New Hire Orientation (NTO) for the 130 teachers who are new to SUSD this school year. This is a massive event that relies upon many SUSD internal and community partners to be successful!
We want to give many thanks and a big shout-out to the following local organizations that contributed to our new teachers’ feeling welcome in their new district:
- Scottsdale Charros – Day 1 breakfast, five $100 gift cards
- SUSD Foundation – $5 Starbucks cards
- Scottsdale Education Association - Day 1 lunch
- Chasse Building - Day 2 breakfast coffee cart
- Grand Canyon University - Day 2 pizza lunch, school swag
The NTO’s resource Expo was also supported by the following community partners:
Musical Instrument Museum – 5 bags, each with a CD and admission tickets
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – tickets for 2 to SMoCA and a performance at the center, art display books
Scottsdale Education Association
Treasures 4 Teachers – school supply bags, $35 gift cards on first purchases over $50
SUSD Benefits, which gave away:
- a pair of designer sunglasses
- an electric toothbrush
- $25 Target gift card
- $25 Visa gift card
- $50 Amazon gift card
Lou Malnati’s - $25 gift card
Wetzel’s Pretzels - 12 $15 gift cards
Madewell - 11 $20-off gift cards
OHSO - 5 gift cards
Elite Eats - $35 charcuterie board
SUSD and Scottsdale Community Partners Unite
Each year, Scottsdale Community Partners, in collaboration with the City of Scottsdale, ensures that more than 900 SUSD students receive brand-new school supplies, clothing, and more through the Vista del Camino Center's Back to School program.
While the final donations to this year’s program are still being tabulated, an estimated 940 students attended the distribution event this week at Scottsdale Stadium. Last year, $24,935 was raised and supplies were provided to 918 students. This assistance is crucial, as the average family spends approximately $1,320 per child annually on school supplies, technology, and extracurricular fees. To qualify, household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
SUSD's Nutrition Services also plays a part at the annual event, registering kids for free and reduced meals and offering healthy snacks.
Scottsdale Community Partners also operates year-round programs to support youth, families, and seniors. For more information about Scottsdale Community Partners and its efforts, visit scottsdalecommunitypartners.org.
Thank you to everyone involved for your ongoing support and generosity!