Support Services Blog
As summer begins, schedules shift, and families look forward to a slower pace. While summer can be a wonderful time to rest and reconnect, it can also bring challenges for children and teens who thrive on structure and social connection. A little planning can go a long way in supporting emotional wellness during the summer months.
Keep Some Routine
Children and teens benefit from predictability, even during breaks. While summer does not need to be highly structured, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, mealtimes, and daily expectations can help reduce anxiety and support emotional regulation.
Make Time for Connection
Summer offers a great opportunity to strengthen relationships. Simple activities like family dinners, game nights, walks, or even quick daily check-ins can help children feel supported and connected. Meaningful conversations do not have to be lengthy—sometimes just asking, “What was the best part of your day?” can open the door to connection.
Encourage Outdoor Time and Movement
Fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity can have a powerful impact on mood and stress levels. Whether it is swimming, biking, playing at the park, or taking a family walk, movement supports both physical and mental health.
Balance Screen Time
Summer often brings more free time and increased device use. Encourage balance by building in screen-free activities such as reading, crafts, outdoor play, or family outings. Creating tech-free times during the day can help improve sleep, attention, and overall well-being.
Watch for Emotional Changes
Big transitions, changes in routine, or less social interaction can sometimes affect a child’s mood. Pay attention to signs of stress, such as changes in sleep, withdrawal, irritability, or increased worry. Keeping communication open and checking in regularly can make a big difference.
Prioritize Self-Care for Everyone
Mental wellness matters for the whole family. Encourage healthy habits like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, and making space for relaxation. Parents and caregivers should remember that taking care of themselves helps them better support their children.
Summer is a season to recharge, reconnect, and create memories. From all of us in Support Services, we wish your family a safe, healthy, and joyful summer break!
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors for free and confidential support. In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Need Support?
Our Support Services team is here to partner with families and connect students to resources that support emotional wellness and success.
An important community presentation on internet safety will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Mohave District Annex. The event is open to parents, community members, school administrators, educators, and district staff.
The session is presented in partnership with the Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is designed to provide timely information about current online risks facing youth and to equip adults with practical tools to help keep children safe in an increasingly digital world.
This presentation comes in response to growing national concerns regarding online exploitation and emerging digital networks that target young people. Attendees will learn how these threats develop, how individuals may attempt to manipulate or exploit youth online, warning signs to be aware of, and actionable steps families and schools can take to promote safer online habits.
The session is part of the FBI’s Online Safety / Crimes Against Children initiative, which focuses on educating communities and preventing online victimization.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office offers this presentation year-round across Arizona as part of its ongoing community outreach efforts.
Community members interested in attending are encouraged to join this important conversation.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, May 12th
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Mohave District Annex (MDA)
Keep an eye out for more information!
Prom Season & Alcohol Awareness: Supporting Safe, Positive Choices
As SUSD enters prom season, we also recognize Alcohol Awareness Week, a timely opportunity to encourage informed, responsible decision-making among our students. Prom is an important milestone, and it should be celebrated with joy, safety, and lasting positive memories.
In support of this effort, the City of Scottsdale Youth and Family Services and the Scottsdale Youth Substance Abuse Coalition are partnering with our high schools to promote awareness and prevention. Students can expect engaging presentations, interactive lunchtime activities, school-wide assemblies, and opportunities to participate in contests that encourage healthy, informed choices.
By increasing awareness of the risks associated with underage drinking and creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement, we can help ensure all students have a fun and safe prom experience. Families play an important role as well, we encourage open conversations, clear expectations, and ongoing support to help students make positive decisions during this exciting time of year.
Preventing Underage Drinking: A Community Approach
Preventing underage drinking starts with proactive, supportive strategies. Schools, families, and communities can make a meaningful impact by:
- Providing age-appropriate alcohol education that builds decision-making and refusal skills
- Fostering a positive school climate where students feel connected and supported
- Communicating clear expectations and consistent policies around alcohol use
- Responding to concerns with support and guidance, not just punishment
- Training staff to recognize early warning signs and intervene appropriately
- Connecting students to mental health and counseling resources
- Partnering with families to encourage open communication
- Collaborating with community organizations to strengthen prevention efforts
- Offering safe, alcohol-free activities and events
- Elevating student voice through peer leadership and awareness initiatives
Upcoming Community Event
“Know the Laws, Protect Your Teen”
SUSD, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, invites parents and caregivers to attend this informative presentation focused on teen alcohol use and prevention.
Participants will learn about legal responsibilities, potential consequences, and practical strategies for prevention. The session will also provide guidance on how to have effective conversations, model positive behavior, and support teens in making safe, informed choices.
Event Details:
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: To be determined
More information will be shared soon, please keep an eye out!
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Each March, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) shines a spotlight on an important mission: giving teens and families access to accurate, science-based information about drug and alcohol use. Designed to replace myths with facts, this national observance encourages honest conversations and empowers young people to make informed, healthy choices.
For Scottsdale Unified School District, substance use prevention is more than a weeklong focus, it’s an ongoing commitment. Supporting students means equipping families with the tools they need to navigate tough topics with confidence and clarity.
One valuable resource available to families is Natural High, a free program offering engaging videos, conversation starters, and practical tools to help parents connect with their teens and inspire drug and alcohol-free lifestyles. By making these conversations more approachable, Natural High helps families build trust and reinforce positive decision-making at home.
Through awareness, education, and accessible resources, SUSD continues to prioritize student well-being and foster school communities where students feel informed, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Upcoming Community event
Healthy Relationship Awareness Month
SUSD Support Services, in partnership with Bloom365, will host a parent-focused community event addressing teen dating abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and power and control-based behaviors.
Please note: This event has been postponed and will now take place in March 2026 at Mohave District Annex. The specific date and time will be announced soon.
Scottsdale Unified School District invites families to attend Escape the Vape & Beyond, a community awareness event focused on youth substance use prevention. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, with the event recommended for grades 6–12.
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Saguaro High School, 6250 N. 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Register Here!
The evening will begin with an open house at 5:30 PM, featuring pizza, snacks, raffles, and access to community resources. The event will take place at Saguaro High School, located at 6250 N. 82nd Street, Scottsdale.
Programming includes a panel discussion with specialists, healthcare experts, and members of the Scottsdale Youth Substance Abuse Coalition, offering insight into current challenges facing youth and the importance of prevention and awareness.
The event will also include community training, featuring an overview of CATCH My Breath, an evidence-based prevention program, along with an expert presentation by Stephanie Siete, who will address current substance use trends impacting today’s youth.
Families interested in attending are encouraged to register using the link provided on the event flyer.
For questions, please contact lpilato@susd.org.