District Stories

CTE Month continues as we explore the Coding and Software Development program at Arcadia High School with instructor Shelley Alfieri-Brown and student Carter Friedberg.

From designing software and building databases to exploring networking and testing applications like industry professionals, these students are gaining real-world tech skills that go far beyond the basics.

CTE Month continues, and this time we’re stepping into the kitchen at Chaparral High School!

Hear from Culinary Arts instructor Jack Trier and students Eden Lariego and Nathan Uretzky as they share how Chaparral’s hands-on CTE program prepares students for Arizona’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry.

From foundational culinary skills to industry certifications and dual enrollment college credit, this program turns passion into real-world opportunity.

CTE Month continues as we’re joined by Victoria Pacheco, CTE and Nursing Services Coordinator at Saguaro High School, along with Saguaro senior Ella Matz. Together they give us an inside look at the CTE Nursing Services program at Saguaro High School, a hands-on and immersive pathway that prepares students for real-world health care careers. From industry certifications to clinical experiences and everything in between, Victoria and Ella share how this program opens doors for students and helps shape the next generation of health care professionals.

The latest episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast is live, and we’re kicking off CTE Month with a spotlight on the Biotechnology CTE program at Saguaro High School.

Teacher Liz Bond and student Jacob Smith join us to share what it’s like to learn science through hands-on, real world lab experiences.

From DNA extraction and advanced biotech techniques to earning college credit and working toward an industry-recognized credential, this signature program is preparing students for college, careers, and exciting opportunities in a fast growing field.

In this student-led edition of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, members of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) share how they serve their school communities, collaborate with district leadership, and help shape the student experience across SUSD.

Hosted by SAB President Fiona Riley, a senior from Saguaro High School, this episode also features President-Elect Matthew Lair, a junior from Desert Mountain High School, and Aashni Sahai, a junior from Saguaro High School. 

Tune in for thoughtful conversation, real problem-solving, and powerful student perspectives you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Scottsdale Online Learning student Jordan Sucato and principal Nick Noonan. Jordan is the founder of Laws for Paws LLC, a youth-led nonprofit that raises awareness about the malpractice and mistreatment of animals nationwide. 

Last year, her organization raised $18,000 for animal welfare in Maricopa County. She also authored legislation to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Arizona, partnering with Senator John Kavanagh and the Animal Defense League to bring the bill to life. 

Jordan is also a recipient of PETA’s Hero to Animals Award and was named Student of the Month by the Arizona Board of Education earlier this school year.

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).

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!