District Stories

Today, we’re excited to feature teacher Ginna Cummings and principal Amanda Rand from Redfield Elementary School to talk about Unlocking Learning for Student Innovation, one of the 2025–2026 recipients of SUSD’s Innovation Startup Grants.

In her classroom, Ginna is bringing learning to life through gamified, hands-on experiences that engage students in collaborative problem solving. Students are building critical thinking skills, strengthening teamwork, and deepening their understanding of content, all while ensuring every learner is supported, including those developing English language skills.

In this episode, we’ll explore how creativity, collaboration, and innovation are shaping the classroom of tomorrow.

Today we are highlighting a classroom at Coronado that has been transformed into something truly special. The Coronado Innovation Lab is an inclusive makerspace designed for special education students with cognitive and motor delays. Using immersive Augmented Reality tools and hands-on exploration, the lab removes learning barriers and helps students engage with STEM in creative and meaningful ways.

This innovative project was also recognized as one of five recipients of SUSD’s 2025–2026 Innovation Startup Grants, which celebrate educators who are transforming teaching and learning through creativity, collaboration, and hands on experiences.

Joining us today to share the story behind the Innovation Lab are teacher Jennifer Kinsey and assistant principal Chad Johnson. 

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we’re taking you behind the scenes of something truly magical at Hohokam Elementary.

For 17 weeks, students rehearsed twice a week, building confidence, strengthening teamwork, and discovering a love for the arts. Their hard work culminated in a performance of The Jungle Book Kids, as one of just five schools selected to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.

And the best part? They even performed one of their songs on the prestigious ASU Gammage stage.

Joining the show are third grader Olivia, fourth graders Elon and Cooper, 2nd grade teacher and music director Lindsay Neville, and principal Maggie Finan, all sharing how this unforgettable experience came to life.

In this student-led episode, Bete Gelan and Luciana Villanueva from the SUSD Student Advisory Board share what life is like at Arcadia High School. 

From academics to clubs, athletics, and opportunities beyond the school day, they give an inside look at what makes the Arcadia experience stand out.

This week, we celebrate a historic milestone at Desert Mountain High School.

For the first time ever, the Wolves football team claimed the AIA 5A State Championship, capping off a season full of grit, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. 

Joining us is Head Coach Conrad Hamilton as he shares the journey behind this achievement, the dedication of the players, and what this championship means for the school and the community.

On this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we are celebrating championship excellence at Desert Mountain High School. The Desert Mountain Girls Swim and Dive team captured the Division 2 State Championship, their fourth title in five years.

We will hear from team members Kaleigh Mack and Abigail Fisher along with Athletic Director Cher Fesenmaier about the journey to the state title, the dedication and teamwork behind the scenes, and what it means to represent Desert Mountain and the SUSD community at the highest level.

Join us as we dive into the story of this incredible dynasty.

Ever wondered how students turn a passion for music into real-world experience? In this episode, we explore CMAS, a dynamic CTE pathway in Scottsdale Unified School District where students dive into the world of music and audio production.

From recording in a professional studio to performing live, CMAS students are learning by doing. They gain hands-on industry experience while earning credits that can lead directly to college opportunities or careers in the music and audio industry.

Hear from teacher Richard Maxwell and Kelly Mitchell as they share how this program is helping students create, perform, and prepare for the future.

Tune in and discover how SUSD students are turning up the volume on their learning!

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.