In The News

Scottsdale City Council has unanimously adopted a major update to the city’s smoking ordinance, expanding protections against secondhand smoke and vapor in public spaces.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Getting caught with a vape pen in certain places in Scottsdale could now bring hundreds of dollars in fines.

City officials expanded Scottsdale’s smoking ordinance to include e-cigarettes. The idea came from a local teenager who collected signatures for the city council.

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School is in – and state grades are out, as well as a complex points system.

Scottsdale Unified School District celebrated an “A” grade, highlighted by nearly two dozen schools that aced their report cards.

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and dedication,” SUSD Superintendent Scott Menzel said. “Earning an ‘A’ rating once again reflects the strength of our academic programs and the deep partnership we share with our families and community.”

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Chaparral High School Theatre students will perform the musical ‘Ride the Cyclone’ later this year.

The show will run from Dec. 4-6 at 7 p.m. in the Chaparral Auditorium, according to a press release.

“Set in the quirky and mysterious town of Uranium City, “Ride the Cyclone” follows six members of the Saint Cassian High School Chamber Choir who meet an unexpected fate on a roller coaster. Guided by a fortune-telling machine...

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Scottsdale Unified School District will host its second annual Education Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Saguaro High School, 6250 N. 82nd St. in Scottsdale. The event invites families to explore the district’s schools, programs and services.

Representatives from every SUSD school will be available to share information and answer questions for families considering educational options. Arizona’s open enrollment policy allows families to explore schools beyond their neighborhood boundaries to find the best fit for their student’s needs and interests.

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The Math and Science Academy (MSA) at Mohave Middle School is officially open. Following last year’s announcement by the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) of the program’s expansion from the MSA at Saguaro High School, the new academy at Mohave is now accepting students and is set to become a hub for academic excellence, innovation and opportunity.

To celebrate this milestone, Mohave Middle School will host an Open House this month to give current and prospective families an inside look at what the academy has to offer and why it's the right choice for students seeking a rigorous and future-focused education.

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The Scottsdale Unified School District has announced that Yavapai Elementary School has been recognized as a Blue Zones Project approved school, joining several other district campuses in earning the designation. 

The recognition reflects the district’s continued focus on student health and wellness, according to a press release.

The Blue Zones Project is based on research by National Geographic fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, who studied communities around the world where people live longer, healthier lives.

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Scottsdale Unified School District is opening its doors to future families with a series of kindergarten roundups and a districtwide expo, offering parents and students a firsthand look at classrooms, programs and community culture.

Dr. Christine Bonow, assistant superintendent of elementary and K-8 schools, said the events are designed to give families the tools they need to make informed choices about their child’s education.

“SUSD is proud to offer full day kindergarten at each of our elementary and K-8 schools,” Bonow said. “Kindergarten round ups are wonderful events offered three times per school year that provide prospective parents and children an opportunity to tour the school, meet with school administrators and see kindergarten classrooms in action.”

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SCOTTSDALE – Coronado High School’s new Fire Science Academy is a partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department and the East Valley Institute of Technology that is preparing high schoolers to fight fires right on campus.

The program started this 2025-26 school year by walking students through the basic skills that could push them ahead in the fire academy after graduation.

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Valley teen is spearheading a fight against the drug epidemic that he says is impacting his classmates and peers. 

Arcadia High School student Bennett Murphy started a nonprofit called Phoenix Interventional Naloxone Network, or PINN for short, to help distribute Narcan kits to schools across the Valley. “I thought there had to be a more accessible way for everyone in schools to receive Narcan,” Murphy said. 

Murphy was inspired to start the organization after he says his close friend had an overdose in his freshman year.

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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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