In The News

As the 2024-25 school year closes, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve taken together. 

Guided by this year’s theme, “Elevate Excellence: Reaching New Heights Together,” we were deliberate, aligning our entire district around three Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) to ensure that we were not just moving forward, but moving forward together. 

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“Gritty, disciplined, and focused” – that’s how Head Coach James Vercellino described the Arcadia boys’ tennis team in his first year at the helm. Adjusting to new systems and practice structures while building a new team identity was a challenge, but one he believes will pay off long-term.

“Our goal is to compete, mature, and grow – not just as tennis players, but as ambassadors of our community and future leaders,” Vercellino said.

Heading into the final matches in April, the Titans faced tough losses against Saguaro and McClintock, but also notched dominant wins over Buckeye Union, Central High, and Marcos de Niza. They finished the season ranked 5th in Division II.

The Lady Titans delivered an exceptional 12-2 season, earning a trip to the State Championships before falling in a hard-fought 0-5 match against powerhouse Catalina Foothills. They finished third in Division II.

Coach Dean Lamppa highlighted battles against Gilbert and Notre Dame Prep as defining moments of the season. 

“Those matches, even the losses, were incredible opportunities for growth,” he said. “We’re excited for what’s next.”

“Being part of this team has enriched my life in so many ways. I gained new friends and have only grown closer to those I already knew,” graduate Ahva Ghazanfari said. “I’m so proud of these girls and what we’ve accomplished together. I know I’ll especially miss Arcadia tennis.”

The Titans took their season all the way to the 2025 AIA Beach Volleyball Division II State Championships, ultimately finishing runners-up and ending with a 14-2 team record.

“We had a historic season, advancing to the state final for the first time in school history and falling just short to Estrella Foothills 3-2,” Coach Adrian Chang said. 

Their journey to the title game included an epic win over six-time defending champs Salpointe Catholic, who had not lost in 82 matches dating back to 2019.

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When it came time to choose a school for our son, Tavan Elementary felt like coming home. My Dad attended the school in the late 1950s, when the neighborhood had more citrus groves than houses. Generations later, we were drawn to Tavan’s academic excellence, diverse community and spirit of kindness.

Innovative teaching

How do you prepare children to thrive academically and in an ever-changing world? 

Tavan’s academic team has developed personalized learning opportunities to recognize each student’s strengths and needs. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elementary school, students have hands-on learning opportunities to explore ideas, be creative and accomplish their goals.

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Dear SUSD Class of 2025,

As you prepare to cross the graduation stage and take the next big step in your life’s journey, know that we see in you a class that has risen to the challenges, embraced opportunity, and is ready to reach new heights.

The Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to have been a part of your story. My favorite memories are those of cheering you on during academic celebrations, theatrical performances, and sporting events. The commitment this class has shown to academics, arts, and athletics runs deep, and your talents are limitless.

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The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will support the future Steve & Maria Sanghi Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale at Tonalea Middle School by fund a new gymnasium with a $2.5 million contribution.

The money was donated to the clubs’ $15 million “Revive. Thrive. Succeed.” Capital Campaign.

The campaign aims to “provide critical resources to ensure youth in South Scottsdale have a dedicated space for play, fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles,” the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale said in a release.

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Make that four Scottsdale Unified School District schools now Blue Zones Project Scottsdale approved.

In January, Anasazi Elementary School was officially certified by the local Blue Zones organization for its implementation of best practices around student and staff health and well-being. 

Right behind it, in February, were Pima Elementary School and Cocopah Middle School, in March.  Last May, Echo Canyon School was SUSD’s first school to receive the local Blue Zones’ nod.

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TEMPE - Monday night’s 5A conference state softball championship was Desert Mountain’s opportunity to cement itself as one of the state’s greatest softball dynasties. 

Behind star junior pitcher Lilly Goodwin, the top seeded Wolves hoisted the gold trophy at Arizona State University’s Farrington Stadium for the third straight year, following a 4-0 victory over Tucson Canyon Del Oro.

“I don't think anything at this level matches playing for a championship. I mean having everybody in the stands cheer for you, whether they're here for the game or for you, or whether they're rooting against you. 
I mean, having those people here cheer, it’s a lot. It's so loud, I can’t hear myself think, but it's still so fun,” said Goodwin.

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Cyan De Luigi’s knows all about being patient.

And that attribute was vital in the Desert Mountain senior contributing to Monday’s celebration at Arizona State University’s Farrington Stadium.

De Luigi hasn’t had much playing time until this year, biding her time for that special senior year. She’s showed the same patience when she came to the plate for a second time in the 5A state softball championship game.

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PHOENIX—Twenty Arizona high-school seniors have been awarded the 2025 Flinn Scholarship, the state’s most prestigious merit-based award that provides a full ride to an Arizona public university.    

The 40^th class of Flinn Scholars receives a comprehensive package valued at more than $135,000 over four years, including the cost of tuition, fees, housing, meals, and at least two study-abroad experiences including a two-week group summer seminar following freshman year.

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In a remarkable demonstration of leadership, giving, and tenacity, teams from Arcadia High, Brophy and Xavier encouraged friends, family members, and local supporters to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. 

Each year, high school students nationwide are challenged to compete in fundraising for LLS while gaining important leadership experience – and all three took on that challenge with much enthusiasm and commitment. For Garrett Larsen, a sophomore and the leader of “Team Rockin’ Leukemia,” the cause was deeply personal. His father died of acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was a baby. Throughout the years, LLS was a source of support and financial assistance. 

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Just like the meaning of the Ancient Greek word, “an assembly of the people,” Arcadia High’s annual Agora is a mecca of fine art, and something the school looks forward to every year. 

Agora is made possible through the efforts of Arcadia’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students and art teacher Cira Riccio. At this event, student artwork from Arcadia High, Ingleside, Hopi, Tavan and Echo Canyon is displayed in the hallways for attendees.

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In an increasingly interconnected world, students need more than strong academics—they need a global mindset, critical thinking skills, and a sense of purpose. That’s why families are turning to Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), home to Arizona’s only full K–12 International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum.

Spanning Anasazi Elementary School, Mountainside Middle School, and Desert Mountain High School, SUSD’s IB pathway offers students a consistent, world-class education designed to foster inquiry, intercultural understanding, and personal growth.

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The Scottsdale Unified School District is expanding the Math and Science Academy at Saguaro High School to Mohave Middle School, which school officials say will create a premier destination for families seeking a rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.

At Desert Canyon Elementary School, the DLI program follows a 50/50 model, where students split their day between English and Mandarin instruction.

In grades K-3, subjects like Reading, Writing, and Social Studies are taught in English, while Math, Science, and Mandarin Language are taught in Mandarin. By grades 4-5, English instruction shifts to Reading, Writing, and Math, with Science, Social Studies, and Mandarin Language taught in Mandarin.

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A Valley teacher is being recognized for helping to shape the lives of preschoolers for over two decades.

Whether it’s in the classroom or in the school’s community garden and greenhouse, Ms. Lynn always shows up and shows out. Every single day, she works before and after school for her students’ success, and she really, truly cares. 

Ms. Lynn has been working with preschoolers at Navajo Elementary in Scottsdale for nearly two decades. The children are just at the beginning of their education journeys. 

She’s involved in the school’s Panda Program, which provides early intervention services for kids ages 3 to 5 with special needs.

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The Scottsdale Charros Program supports SUSD in various ways – namely, by bringing programs, resources and scholarships to the schools and recognizing the district’s outstanding students and educators with The Scottsdale Charros Education Awards. 

For the past 60 years, educators in the district have received a personalized plaque and a $2,000 grant from the association. 

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Arcadia softball sophomore Sydney Kelley may be an underclassman, but she has played like an experienced veteran in her first two seasons with the Titans. 

The sophomore middle infielder led the team last season in five categories as a freshman, and she’s doing more of the same this year for the reigning Desert Sky Region champions.

Kelley last season batted a whopping .445 with 49 hits, 23 RBIs, 46 runs, 30 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .479 in 34 games played.

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