Anasazi ES Honors Veterans & Builds Community on AZ’s IB Day of Service
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Anasazi Elementary School, home to Scottsdale Unified School District’s (SUSD) International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), will participate in Arizona’s fourth annual IB Day of Service on Friday, November 15.
As part of this statewide celebration, IB schools throughout Arizona participate in service projects that reflect IB’s core principle, Service in Action. The state’s IB schools’ association pioneered the IB Day of Service; the annual Arizona event remains the only one officially recognized by a U.S. governor.
Anasazi students will contribute by writing letters to members of the U.S. armed services through the national Operation Gratitude program, a meaningful way to show appreciation and support for military and first responder personnel.
Anasazi, located at 12121 N. 124th St. in Scottsdale, is a recent addition to Arizona’s network of IB World Schools, officially authorized in February 2023. The school has quickly embraced the IB philosophy, becoming a standout among the state’s nine PYP schools. An assembly honoring local veterans will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a student service activity, featuring representatives from IB, students, parents, and staff, including SUSD’s IB Teacher of the Year, Angie Griffith, who will be available to answer questions about the IB program.
"Service is at the heart of our IB program, and the Day of Service is a special opportunity to bring our school community together for a greater purpose,” said Principal Jennifer Waldron. “Our students are excited to express their gratitude to veterans and learn the importance of giving back, reflecting the principles of the IB framework in a tangible way.”
Iris Lazarus, Senior IB World Schools Manager for the Americas, oversees IB schools in Arizona and nine other states across the U.S. “Anasazi is at the beginning of its journey as an IB World School, yet it stands out as a powerful example of commitment to IB’s values. The school's community is deeply dedicated to fostering a culture of service and social responsibility, enriching students' perspectives and engagement.”
“Anasazi’s dedication to meaningful learning and community involvement is truly inspiring,” added Lazarus.
Anasazi’s IB curriculum aligns seamlessly with the offerings at nearby Mountainside Middle School and Desert Mountain High School, which host the Middle Years and Diploma programmes, respectively. Together, these schools create a comprehensive IB education pathway within SUSD.
For additional information about Anasazi’s IB program and its participation in the IB Day of Service, please contact the school office at 480-484-7300.
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About the Scottsdale Unified School District
With more than 20,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 128 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.
- Anasazi-Story