Skip To Main Content

Spotlight Podcast

SUSD Spotlight Podcast Banner

SUSD is full of stars and each week we will “Spotlight” those people and programs making a difference.

This exciting venture is dedicated to bringing you inspiring human interest stories, celebrating the successes of our incredible students and staff, highlighting thriving community partnerships, and showcasing the lasting impact of our alumni.

"Spotlight" aims to capture the essence of the Scottsdale Unified School District, by sharing the stories that make our community unique. 

Episodes

DMHS Student Shapes New Law

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re highlighting the substantial impact of Desert Mountain High School junior Siddhanth Gupta.

He successfully spearheaded the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in public areas.

The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Scottsdale City Council after more than a year of collaboration with council members, city staff, and leading public health organizations (including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association).

SUSD Education Expo 2025

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Lea Mitchell to talk about the second annual SUSD Education Expo, taking place on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Saguaro High School!

Learn how the Expo offers families from across the district and the Valley a one-stop opportunity to explore all SUSD schools and their specialized programs in a single location!

Kindergarten Round Up Fall 2025

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Bonow, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and K–8 schools, to talk about Kindergarten Round Up! Find out what families can expect at these welcoming events and how it helps parents and children feel prepared for that big first day. This episode is packed with helpful insights on making the transition to kindergarten smooth and memorable! Find the Kindergarten Round Up event closest to you at SUSD.org/Kinder.

Library College & Career Corner

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Kaufman, Senior Library Manager for Programs, Outreach, and Training at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. She shares all the details about the library’s brand-new College & Career Corner, a free resource hub providing high school students with guidance, tools, and support as they prepare for college and future careers. Discover how this innovative space is helping students take the next step toward their goals!

Student Culture and Climate

The Student Advisory Board is a group of high school students from each high school in SUSD that comes together to problem solve and help shape the overall student experience. In this special episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, Arcadia High School senior Avery Liu and Saguaro High School senior Niki Natt discuss campus culture and climate.

New E-Bike Laws and Safety

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, we talk with Scottsdale Unified School District’s Director of Security Joshua Friedman and SRO Devinn Phillips. They break down the city’s new e-bike laws and share practical tips to help students stay safe while riding their bikes to and from school. 

Traditional Learning at Cheyenne
The SUSD Spotlight podcast is back! In this episode, we sit down with Shawnee Baca, the new principal of Cheyenne Traditional School. She shares her journey before joining SUSD and highlights what sets Cheyenne’s traditional learning model apart as a unique choice for families in the district.
Copper Ridge School Launches an All Honors Middle School and Champions the CRS Way
In this episode, Copper Ridge Principal Brittany Walker and Assistant Superintendent Lea Mitchell reveal how the Scottsdale Unified PreK-8 campus is rolling out an all honors curriculum for sixth and seventh graders, setting the stage for eighth grade the following year. They unpack the data-driven strategy behind the shift, share how WIN advisory periods, AVID practices, and a strong gifted-cluster model give every student the support they need, and explain why high expectations paired with high support drive achievement.
 
The conversation also spotlights the vibrant culture that makes Copper Ridge unique: a uniform school community, long-tenured teachers, and signature events like the annual Art and Garden Walk where student performers showcase band, strings, and choir alongside a campus garden cared for by fifth graders. Listeners will hear how the CRS Way (Character, Responsibility, Safety) guides everything from daily routines to big-picture goals, ensuring academics, wellness, and community spirit grow together at Copper Ridge School.
Coronado Community Closet Offers a Dignified Experience for Families in Need
This episode of SUSD Spotlight steps inside the newly revamped Coronado Community Closet, where Counselor Arielle Schindler and School Resource Officer Michelle Mitchell describe how a room full of unsorted donation bags evolved into a free, student-run boutique open to every family in Scottsdale Unified. They explain the partnership with the Scottsdale Police Department Foundation, the hands-on involvement of students who designed the closet’s new logo and layout, and the ongoing remodel that now features dressing rooms, a checkout station, and brand-new flooring. Listeners will hear how the closet doubles as the district’s prom-wear hub, accepts everything from infant clothes to business attire, and even hosts visits from Captain, Coronado’s crisis canine, who helps create a welcoming atmosphere. The conversation highlights how dignity, community service, and real-world skills grow side by side when schools, students, and law enforcement work together.
Kiva to College: A Legacy of Learning and Giving Back
In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we learn about Kiva Elementary’s unique community and meaningful opportunities for students by chatting with Principal Matt Gromek and Kiva alum Trey Chappell of College X-ing. Listen to learn about the strong school culture and lasting relationships that helped inspired the Kiva to College scholarship, a program that supports Kiva alum on their path to higher education in high school. We also reflect on Kiva’s rebuild, its thriving community, and how students past and present are helping shape the school’s future.

What We Cover:

  • Human Interest Stories:
    Dive into compelling narratives that showcase the resilience, determination, and achievements of individuals within our district.
  • Staff and Student Success:
    Hear firsthand accounts of the accomplishments and milestones reached by our outstanding staff and students, both in and outside the classroom.
     
  • Community Partnerships:
    Explore dynamic collaborations that strengthen our ties with the community, fostering an environment where everyone plays a role in the success of our students.
     
  • Legacy of Success:
    Learn about the journeys of our distinguished alumni who continue to make a positive impact in our community and the lives of current students.

Filter By: