SUSD Spotlight

On the 2025-26 season finale of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with someone who has truly helped shape generations of students in Scottsdale. We’re joined by Roni Scholz of Ingleside Middle School, who is celebrating 50 years in the Scottsdale Unified School District.   In this conversation, Roni reflects on the moments, challenges, and successes that have defined her five decades in educ...

Redfield Elementary has been named a 2026 A+ School of Excellence® by the Arizona Educational Foundation, a prestigious honor that recognizes schools going above and beyond in all the ways that matter most. Joining us today to talk about being recognized as an A+ School of Excellence is principal Amanda Rand. *This episode was recorded prior to the end of the school year. 

Today’s episode features an inspiring student from Desert Mountain High School. Eric, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program, recently earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress awards to civilian youth. Through more than 425 hours of volunteer service, Eric has made a meaningful impact in his community. As the founder of Students for Shelter, he leads effor...

Today, we’re highlighting an exciting new initiative at Laguna Prep, one of the recipients of SUSD’s 2025–26 Innovation Startup Grants. Through this grant, Laguna is expanding its makerspace by integrating robotics and other STEAM technologies, giving Pre-K through 5th grade students more opportunities for hands-on, creative learning.

Today, we’re spotlighting one of the 2025–2026 recipients of SUSD’s Innovation Startup Grants, an initiative that celebrates educators transforming teaching and learning through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.   We’re joined by Katie Khan and Susan Green from Tavan Elementary School, the team behind Tavan Makers in Motion, a makerspace that gives students hands-on opportunitie...

Kiva Elementary has been named a 2026 A+ School of Excellence® by the Arizona Educational Foundation, a prestigious honor that recognizes schools going above and beyond in all the ways that matter most. Joining us today to talk about being recognized as an A+ School of Excellence is principal Matt Gromek and Assistant Principal Rebecca Pentland.

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 b...

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 way...

Today’s episode is all about a powerful idea: Math Powers Possibility. In SUSD, math is more than numbers on a page. It’s problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. It’s about giving every student the tools to explore, discover, and see what’s possible for their future.   So what does Math Powers Possibility really look like in action and how is it changing the way students ex...

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 Scho...

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...

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 dedic...

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...

Creativity, community, and the arts take center stage! This week on the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we bring you everything you need to know about the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at the stunning Scottsdale Civic Center on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. This free, family-friendly weekend is packed with student performances, art experiences, and the Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, all in one...

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 c...

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...

CTE Month continues as we shine a spotlight on the Finance CTE program at Chaparral High School. In this episode, we’re joined by teacher Mason Renfer and student Cannon Rierson to explore how the program prepares students to confidently manage their own finances and navigate the business world. From personal finance and investing to economics and the impact of global companies, students build rea...

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...

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...

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 legislati...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Ferrero and Michael Twilling to talk about the Mohave Middle School Math and Science Academy. The program is designed to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in our students. This specialized program combines rigorous academics with real-world problem-solving to challenge students and prepare them...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re celebrating an incredible accomplishment in our district athletics as we sit down with members of the 2025 State Champion Chaparral High School girls golf team. Joining us are standout players Isabel Helgemoe and Maryn Decreamer, whose performances, leadership, and dedication helped secure the state title and continue Chaparral’s tradition of ex...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Cherokee Elementary student Logan Treadwell and her mom, Bobbi, to share a journey that has touched countless lives in our community. Since her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Logan has become a passionate advocate, educator, and source of inspiration for everyone affected by the disease. Together, Logan and Bobbi reflect on the challenges...