Showcase Magazine
Welcome to Showcase Magazine
Stay in the know! View the latest edition of the Scottsdale Unified School District’s magazine below. The magazine provides an in-depth look at the unique aspects of student life within our District.
Showcase magazine is an in-house publication of the Scottsdale Unified School District Office of Communications and Marketing. For advertising opportunities and more information, please call (480) 484-6100.
Winter Edition | 2024-2025
In this edition of SUSD Showcase magazine, you'll read about SUSD's 2024-25 school-year theme, Elevate Excellence: Reaching New Heights Together, and how it is achieved by identifying our Wildly Important Goals, or WIGs.
You'll also learn more about our long legacy of success, from Pima Elementary School's celebration of 65 years, to Desert Mountain High School marking its 30th year, to Cherokee Elementary School's 50th anniversary. These milestones are a testament to our community's collective commitment. Parents share with us why they Choose SUSD, and we look at what it means for our early learners and kindergarteners to Grow with SUSD.
Spring / Summer | 2024-2025
Our district thrives on innovation, and we're excited to share with you myriad ways in which SUSD is leading the charge to redefine teaching and learning.
Our cover story takes you on a journey into the heart of innovation at Tonalea Middle School. You'll read about how SUSD is empowering educators with the resources and support they need to pioneer groundbreaking approaches in the classroom. In line with our Strategic Plan initiatives, we are inspiring educators to ignite the imaginations of our students, encouraging them to think differently to explore new horizons.
On the cover: Tonalea MS Coding Class Takes Flight
Fall / Winter | 2023
Our theme for this year, “Because Kids!,” serves as a powerful reminder of our core purpose. Each day, approximately 2,800 dedicated individuals come together in our district to ensure the success of our students.
This important work extends beyond individual students, benefiting our community and state as a whole. SUSD is committed to guiding and nurturing young learners, inspiring them to think critically and act collaboratively. Many of our students don’t wait until graduation to make an impact—they’re already sharing their talents with the world.
On the cover: Because Kids!, featuring vibrant snapshots that capture the dynamic student body of Scottsdale Unified School District.
Spring / Summer | 2023
Parents are our greatest partners. Strong schools and positive outcomes are deeply rooted in parent support for the teaching and learning happening in our classrooms.
Parents wear many hats—they are their child’s first teacher, and as their child grows, students gain the opportunity to learn in an educational environment led by our caring, certified teachers (many of whom are SUSD parents themselves!). Parents often visit and volunteer, supporting their students, classrooms, and the broader community by giving freely of their time and talent. They chaperone, fundraise, and sometimes even serve on the school board. SUSD parents share a common commitment to our students and their success.
On the cover: Mark Phillips discusses rocket propulsion and the best way to build a rocket, pack the parachute and protect the cargo with Nick Stangler, Violet Doody and Jinseo Joo.
Fall / Winter | 2022
The Scottsdale Unified School District takes pride in its strong Legacy of Success, and we are thrilled to share some of the remarkable stories that highlight it in this edition of Showcase magazine.
You’ll read about Robert Flick, a Coronado graduate dedicated to supporting current Dons as they pursue higher education; Andy DeFusco, a Saguaro graduate who plays a pivotal role in providing classroom grants to teachers; and Trey Chappell, a former Kiva student who has established a scholarship fund for Kiva alumni. Our cover story features none other than Mr. Paul Messinger—a man whose extraordinary life spans more than nine decades of service to our community. From delivering newspapers as a boy to making headlines as an entrepreneur and leader at both the city and state levels, Mr. Messinger’s contributions are an inspiration to us all.
On the Cover: Cason Frankito (L) and Conor Sheehan (R), 4th grade students at Laguna Elementary School, working on their STEAM-focused bridge project.
Fall / Winter | 2020
Scottsdale Unified School District is committed to the education of your children with rigorous, relevant and engaging instruction. The current school year has started like no other in history. Eighty-five percent of our families chose the option for Enhanced Distance Learning(EDL)/full return; the other 15%chose Scottsdale Online through the first semester. Navigating school during a pandemic is challenging, and each family has had to wrestle with the best options in a less than optimal situation.
On the Cover: National Board Certified fourth grade teacher Abbey Bobbett readies her classroom for what will be a unique school year.
Fall / Winter | 2019
The school year is off to a running start. As the students were off enjoying their summer break, our District personnel were hard at work making sure that the facilities and grounds were updated and ready to receive the nearly 23,000 students across our 29 campuses. A few days before school began, I had the honor of welcoming our new teachers. This year, we had a great mix of teachers who are coming to us as a second career with a desire to serve students. We also welcomed a cohort of teachers new to the profession. We honor their choice to be a teacher and we applaud them for selecting Scottsdale Unified to launch their careers. The energy and excitement from this group was inspiring. As the new teachers readied their classrooms and received coaching and support, the cabinet members, Governing Board and I held two “Welcome Back” rallies for returning employees. The program for these rallies focused on the District’s values and core purpose. After sharing a moving story, members of the cabinet recognized specific principals with a very special challenge coin for embodying these values. This program to celebrate excellence in the District is now active in all schools, with employees, students and our stakeholders eligible for this special recognition. You can read more about this program in the pages that follow.
On the Cover: Mohave Middle School student athlete Carver put his baseball skills on display during tryouts for the Wildcats’ fall lineup. Read more on page 4 about how sports help contribute to the overall success of students.
Spring / Summer | 2019
Throughout my years in this community, I have witnessed the incredible support you provide to our school district and the success of every student. The Governing Board and I stand united in our commitment to delivering exceptional academic instruction—a hallmark of SUSD for over a century.
This legacy remains just as vital today as we work collaboratively to strengthen the District and stay focused on our shared goal: inspiring students to learn and achieve. I am confident that we are on the right path, and I look forward to another year of leading the Scottsdale Unified School District with pride and purpose.
On the Cover: Echo Canyon School kindergartner Chloe enjoyed showing off her potting skills in the school’s garden. This outdoor learning space teaches lessons you can read about on page 13.