Technology Blog

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but protecting Scottsdale Unified School District’s technology, information and people is a shared responsibility.

With thousands of students and employees using SUSD devices, applications and networks, cybersecurity isn’t something our IT team can accomplish through filters, firewalls and security software alone. Every user plays a role.

Sometimes the risk begins with something that seems harmless.

A student receives a link from a friend to play a game. Someone downloads a file that promises to bypass a school filter. An employee receives an email that looks legitimate and clicks a link without checking the sender. A file appears to work exactly as expected, so we assume it must be safe.

However, a working game, application, or document can still contain malicious software. An unfamiliar link can lead to a convincing imitation of a legitimate website designed to steal a username and password. A download can introduce malware or create an opening that someone outside SUSD could exploit later.

That is why “I didn’t mean to do anything harmful” and “nothing bad happened when I clicked it” aren’t the same as being cyber safe.

For our students: curiosity comes with responsibility

We understand that students may not always connect downloading a game or following an unlisted link with cybersecurity. A friend may share something and say, “Everyone is using it.” That does not make it safe.

Students should never attempt to bypass SUSD security or filtering controls, use unapproved applications or executable files, or download software from unverified sources. Beyond violating District technology expectations, those actions can expose their device and the larger SUSD environment to malicious software.

We want our students to be curious, innovative and technologically capable. Part of becoming a responsible digital citizen is learning when to stop and ask: Do I know what this is, where it came from and whether I should be opening it?

For our employees: phishing remains one of our greatest vulnerabilities

The same principle applies to adults. SUSD conducts phishing awareness campaigns because attackers increasingly rely on people rather than technology to get through security defenses. They create emails designed to make us act quickly: click this link, open this attachment, reset this password, review this document.

Our simulated phishing messages give employees a safe opportunity to practice recognizing those tactics before encountering the real thing.

If something seems unusual, unexpected or urgent, slow down before you click. Check the sender. Look carefully at the request. Be cautious with attachments and links. Never provide credentials because an email asks you to do so.

And if you do click something suspicious, report it immediately. Prompt reporting gives our IT team the best opportunity to investigate and contain a potential threat.

Technology helps. People make the difference.

SUSD continues to strengthen technical protections across our network and devices. Our IT team monitors security alerts, investigates suspicious activity, blocks identified threats and continually adjusts protections as new risks emerge.

However, no technology can eliminate every threat.

The most effective cybersecurity environment combines strong technology with informed users who make thoughtful decisions.

This October, we are asking every member of Team SUSD students and employees alike to adopt one simple habit: Stop. Think. Then click.

Before opening a link, downloading a file, installing something or responding to an unexpected request, take a few seconds to consider what you are doing.

Those few seconds can protect your account, your device, our network and the information entrusted to SUSD.

Cybersecurity starts with IT. Cybersecurity succeeds with all of us.

Learn More at the Source

As technology continues to evolve, and as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of how we learn, work, and communicate—we have an opportunity to be increasingly intentional about when, why, and how technology supports learning in SUSD.

We are excited to introduce the SUSD Guiding Principles for Technology Integration, a districtwide framework designed around a simple idea:

Technology is not the learning. It is a tool that can enhance it.

Our goal is not to use technology simply for the sake of doing so. Instead, we want to ensure that every tool we use has a clear purpose and contributes to meaningful student learning.

Our new K12 Screen Use Framework provides additional guidance for developmentally appropriate technology use across grade levels. These recommendations are intended to help staff make thoughtful instructional decisions, not replace professional judgment or create a daily technology quota.

As we move forward, one question can help guide our decisions:

Does technology meaningfully enhance the learning we want students to experience?

If yes, use it purposefully. If not, it may be time to put the device away.

We invite you to explore the new: Technology Integration, Technology Use, and Screen Use Framework resources on the SUSD website and consider how these principles can support the excellent teaching and learning already happening across our schools.

Thank you for continuing to create learning experiences where students think critically, collaborate meaningfully, create authentically, and develop the skills they need for their future.

Cybersecurity Awareness

The Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) is excited to announce the launch of our 'Kids Safe Online' Cybersecurity Awareness Calendar Contest!

AZDOHS invites all K-12 students across Arizona to participate in this contest designed to promote essential online safety and cybersecurity awareness. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to creatively share their knowledge and contribute to a safer digital community.

We would sincerely appreciate your support in spreading the word about the calendar contest, as is appropriate for your internal and external audiences. A toolkit with sample language and social media posts is available here.

Important Dates

• Friday, September 18, 2026: All entries are due.
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026: Winners announced.
• Thursday, October 8, 2026: Winning entries go on display at the Arizona State Fair, where they will remain until Sunday, November 1, 2026.
• Friday, December 11, 2026: A virtual copy of the 2027 calendar, featuring the winning artwork, will be electronically shared.
• January 2027: Winning entries will be displayed at multiple galleries throughout the state in partnership with Young Arts Arizona.

All necessary details, including contest rules, theme ideas, and the official entry form, are included in the attached PDF document.

To help start conversations in the classroom and at home, we have provided questions and prompts sorted by grade level band.

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with students, teachers, and the Arizona school community.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at calendarcontest@azdohs.gov.

Thank you for helping us promote a safer and more secure online environment for Arizona's students.

Learn More at the Source

IT Update: Ready for Day One!

As we prepare to welcome students back for SUSD’s 130th school year, our Information Technology team has been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure classrooms, devices, networks and digital tools are ready to support learning from the moment the first bell rings.

Taking a few minutes now to prepare your student's technology can help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.

Student Devices: An Important Reminder

Beginning this school year, the Student Code of Conduct requires students to use their SUSD-issued device for learning. Personal laptops and Chromebooks may not be used in place of a district-issued device.

This expectation helps provide every student with a consistent learning experience while ensuring access to the instructional software, security protections, content filtering and classroom management tools that support teaching and learning. It also allows our Technology team to provide faster, more effective support when assistance is needed.

Power Up Before the First Day

Don't wait until the morning school starts to discover a technology issue. We encourage every family to spend just a few minutes completing this simple checklist:

• Turn on your student's SUSD-issued Chromebook or Windows laptop.
• Plug it in and allow any available updates to install.
• Log in using your student's SUSD username and password.
• Open a few commonly used applications or websites to confirm everything is working properly.
• Verify the charger is working and pack both the device and charger for the first day of school.

If something doesn't look right, contact the SUSD Help Desk now. Addressing issues before school begins allows our team to resolve problems more quickly and helps ensure students are ready to learn on Day One.

A Few Back-to-School Technology Tips

• As everyone returns to campuses, here are a few additional reminders:
• Restart district computers to install any pending updates.
• Test classroom technology (including ViewBoards, projectors, audio equipment and document cameras) before students arrive.
• Be cautious of unexpected emails asking you to click links or reset passwords. Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times for phishing attempts.

Behind the Scenes This Summer

While classrooms were quiet, our Technology team was anything but. Throughout the summer they prepared thousands of student and staff devices, completed software updates, upgraded classroom technology, strengthened network infrastructure, created new user accounts, tested systems and worked alongside schools and departments to ensure everything is ready for the first day of school.

Their work may happen behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping teaching and learning running smoothly across all 27 schools.

Thank you to our IT Team and to every employee across the district - who spent the summer preparing for another incredible year.

Learn More at the Source

As students and staff enjoy a well-deserved summer break, our Technology Services team is already hard at work preparing systems and resources for the upcoming school year.

One important part of that work is our annual summer maintenance of the Clever Portal.

Summer Maintenance Notice: Clever Portal

As part of our annual system updates and data verification process, the Clever Portal will be temporarily unavailable from July 20 through August 10. During this time, access to digital learning resources through Clever will be paused.

This scheduled maintenance period allows our Technology Services team to:

• Update and verify student and staff information
• Prepare class rosters and system integrations
• Ensure digital resources are properly connected for the new school year
• Test and validate systems for a smooth and secure start to school

While the portal may be temporarily offline, this work behind the scenes is essential to ensuring students and staff have reliable access to the digital tools and resources they rely on throughout the year.

Why Summer Maintenance Matters

Summer is one of the most important times of the year for district technology teams. While campuses may be quieter, significant work is taking place to prepare devices, systems, accounts, and instructional platforms for the return of students and staff.

During the summer months, SUSD technology teams are:

• Updating student information systems
• Refreshing digital classroom platforms
• Managing cybersecurity and system security updates
• Preparing devices and accounts for incoming students and staff
• Testing integrations between instructional tools and district systems
• Ensuring compliance with student privacy and security standards

This proactive work helps minimize disruptions during the school year and allows classrooms to begin the year ready for teaching and learning on day one.

Preparing for the 2026–2027 School Year

As we continue preparing for another successful school year, we appreciate the patience and understanding of our students, staff, and families during this temporary maintenance window.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August with updated systems, refreshed resources, and technology tools ready to support student learning across Scottsdale Unified School District.

We wish all of our SUSD families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!

Learn More at the Source

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law that requires schools to use internet filtering and monitoring tools to protect students from harmful online content. Compliance isn’t optional, it’s tied to federal funding that helps support our network infrastructure.

But more importantly, it’s about doing what’s right.

CIPA requires schools to:

• Block or filter access to obscene or harmful content 
• Monitor online activity on district networks 
• Educate students about appropriate online behavior 

In SUSD, this translates into a layered approach:

• Network-level protection (e.g., firewalls) 
• Device-level filtering (Lightspeed Filter) 
• Classroom monitoring (Lightspeed Classroom) 
• Platform controls (Google SafeSearch + YouTube restrictions) 

This isn’t about limiting learning, it’s about creating a safe, focused digital environment where learning can thrive.

Why Filters Exist and Why They’re Not Perfect

Filtering the internet for thousands of students in real time is not a static process it’s dynamic and constantly evolving.[RB1] 

The reality:

• The internet changes every second 
• Platforms like Google and YouTube use AI to categorize content 
• Filtering tools must interpret and react to those changes in real time 

That means:

• Sometimes filters catch too much (blocking instructional resources) 
• Sometimes they don’t catch enough (allowing something inappropriate through) 

Both can happen and both matter.

This is the balancing act:

The Digital Resource Request: Your Voice in the System

Because no filter is perfect, SUSD has built a clear pathway for staff to request access to instructional resources.

The Digital Resource Request process allows us to:

• Review websites or tools for instructional value 
• Ensure compliance with student data privacy and security standards 
• Adjust filters when appropriate 
• Track and manage digital resources across the district 

When something is blocked that shouldn’t be, we want to know—and we act on it.

Continuous Improvement: Listening, Adjusting, Improving

We don’t “set and forget” our filters.

In SUSD, we:

• Review filter settings weekly 
• Evaluate unblock requests and trends weekly
• Partner with teachers and parents to identify issues 
• Adjust settings based on real classroom impact 

We know this can feel like:

• “Too restrictive” one day 
• “Not restrictive enough” the next 

That tension is real and it’s exactly why we stay actively engaged in refining our approach.