Support Services Blog
By September, the excitement of the new school year has started to settle. New teachers and schedules are becoming familiar, activities are picking up, and homework is getting more demanding. For some students, this is also when the stress of the school year begins to show up at home. Parents may notice more irritability, tiredness, difficulty getting out the door, changes in sleep, increased frustration with homework, or worries about friendships and school. An occasional tough day is completely normal. What matters is noticing patterns and keeping the lines of communication open.
A few simple ways to help:
Ask questions that invite conversation. Instead of “How was school?” try “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was there anything that felt hard today?”
Protect downtime. Kids need time to decompress, especially when their days include school, homework, sports, clubs, and other activities.
Keep routines predictable. Consistent sleep, morning, and homework routines can help children feel more secure and reduce everyday stress.
Focus on connection. Sometimes kids don’t need us to immediately solve the problem, they need to know we’re listening and that they aren’t facing it alone.
Reach out when something doesn’t feel right. You don’t have to wait for a concern to become a crisis. Your child’s teacher, school counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse, and other school staff are there to partner with you.
September is a great time for a family check-in. Ask questions, find out what’s working and what can be improved.
A successful school year isn’t just about grades. It’s also about helping our students feel safe, connected, supported, and ready to learn. Sometimes, a simple conversation at home is the best place to start.
As another school year begins, we are excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back to Scottsdale Unified School District. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, transitioning to a new school, or returning to a familiar classroom, we look forward to another year of learning, growth, and opportunity.
Throughout the summer, our schools have been preparing to welcome students back. From classrooms and curriculum to transportation, campus safety, and student supports, teams across the district have been working together to ensure every school is ready for a successful year.
At Scottsdale Unified, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, connected, supported, and known. When students have trusted adults, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. This belief serves as the foundation for our comprehensive approach to school safety.
Our commitment to safety includes secure campuses, emergency preparedness, and strong partnerships with law enforcement, while also recognizing that prevention begins with connection. The SUSD Support Services Department is proud to help lead this work through evidence-based practices, comprehensive student supports, and close collaboration with school leaders, teachers, school psychologists, school social workers, counselors, School Resource Officers, School Safety Officers, and community partners. Together, we work to build positive relationships, identify concerns early, and ensure students have the support they need to be successful both academically and socially.
This year, we are especially grateful that the Arizona Department of Education has recognized and invested in this work by awarding Scottsdale Unified five three-year School Safety Program grants along with 17 one-year continuation grants to sustain existing school social worker and school counselor positions across the district. These grants strengthen our ability to provide proactive supports, partner with families, and remove barriers to learning—reinforcing our belief that school safety is built through both strong security measures and strong relationships.
Families are an essential part of creating safe, welcoming schools.
As students transition back to the classroom, simple routines such as establishing consistent bedtimes, talking positively about the school year, encouraging open conversations about the day, and staying connected with teachers can help children feel confident and prepared. We also encourage families to remind students that if they ever see or hear something that doesn't seem right, they should tell a trusted adult. When schools and families work together, students are more likely to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in Scottsdale Unified. Together, we will continue building schools where every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their very best.
We wish all of our students, families, and staff a wonderful first day and a successful school year!
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!