SUSD Spotlight

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 counc...

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...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Bonow, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and K–8 schools, to talk about Kindergarten Round Up! Find out what families can expect at these welcoming events and how it helps parents and children feel prepared for that big first day. This episode is packed with helpful insights on making the transition to kindergarten...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Kaufman, Senior Library Manager for Programs, Outreach, and Training at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. She shares all the details about the library’s brand-new College & Career Corner, a free resource hub providing high school students with guidance, tools, and support as they prepare for college and future careers. Di...

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re talking athletics! Joining us are two leaders who are shaping the future of sports across our district, new Athletic Director Stephen Cervantez, who stepped into the role after spending time as the AD at Desert Mountain, and District Athletic Coordinator James Pescatore. They discuss opportunities for student-athletes, what it takes to sustain c...

The Student Advisory Board is a group of high school students from each high school in SUSD that comes together to problem solve and help shape the overall student experience. In this special episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, Arcadia High School senior Avery Liu and Saguaro High School senior Niki Natt discuss campus culture and climate.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, we talk with Scottsdale Unified School District’s Director of Security Joshua Friedman and SRO Devinn Phillips. They break down the city’s new e-bike laws and share practical tips to help students stay safe while riding their bikes to and from school.

The SUSD Spotlight podcast is back! In this episode, we sit down with Shawnee Baca, the new principal of Cheyenne Traditional School. She shares her journey before joining SUSD and highlights what sets Cheyenne’s traditional learning model apart as a unique choice for families in the district.

In this episode, Copper Ridge Principal Brittany Walker and Assistant Superintendent Lea Mitchell reveal how the Scottsdale Unified PreK-8 campus is rolling out an all honors curriculum for sixth and seventh graders, setting the stage for eighth grade the following year. They unpack the data-driven strategy behind the shift, share how WIN advisory periods, AVID practices, and a strong gifted-clust...

This episode of SUSD Spotlight steps inside the newly revamped Coronado Community Closet, where Counselor Arielle Schindler and School Resource Officer Michelle Mitchell describe how a room full of unsorted donation bags evolved into a free, student-run boutique open to every family in Scottsdale Unified. They explain the partnership with the Scottsdale Police Department Foundation, the hands-on i...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we learn about Kiva Elementary’s unique community and meaningful opportunities for students by chatting with Principal Matt Gromek and Kiva alum Trey Chappell of College X-ing. Listen to learn about the strong school culture and lasting relationships that helped inspired the Kiva to College scholarship, a program that supports Kiva alum on their path to higher ed...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we talk all things Tavan Elementary with Principal Julie Ballard and third-grade teacher Tanner Bollman to explore how Innovation Grants are bringing hands-on, student-centered projects to life. From hydroponic gardens to a student-designed sound garden, we learn how creative learning environments are helping students grow, literally and figuratively. Julie and T...

Join us on location at Hohokam Elementary School for a special celebration of their prestigious 2025 Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School of Excellence designation. Principal Chuck Rantala reflects on his 12-year tenure at Hohokam, sharing insights into the school's journey to this remarkable achievement, while incoming Principal Maggie Finan discusses her vision for the future and continuing...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we explore Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), Scottsdale Unified School District’s new elementary literacy curriculum. Join Diane Murphy, Elementary Language Arts Curriculum Specialist, first-grade teacher Sheena Byerley (Sequoya Elementary), and fourth-grade teacher Rebecca Bentivegna (Echo Canyon School) as they share their experiences implementing CKLA. With...

In this 50th episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Cocopah Middle School’s Principal Joe Olney and Assistant Principal Kristina Ambri to explore what makes Cocopah a standout in the Chaparral Learning Community. From its vibrant student culture to its recent recognition as a Blue Zones Project Approved School, Cocopah is leading the way in student wellness, sustainability, and community conn...

In this special on-location episode of SUSD Spotlight, Dr. Paula Slamowitz invites us to Ingleside Middle School to speak with students about two standout programs: Forensic Science and Video Production! Recorded inside the student-run INN Studio, this episode gives some Ingleside middle schoolers the mic, literally, as they share how these hands-on electives are helping them explore storytelling,...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we feature Redfield Elementary and meet 5th grader and BizTown Mayor Matthias Brentano. Principal Amanda Rand joins us to share how Redfield’s long-standing partnership with Junior Achievement’s BizTown prepares students with real-world skills in economics, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. Together, they walk us through what it takes to become the Mayo...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we’re joined by Arcadia High School CTE teacher Shelley Alfieri-Brown and junior Easton Pagano to explore the dynamic engineering and coding pathways available to students. Shelley shares how she’s transformed the program over just a few years, offering real-world learning through hands-on projects, field trips, and industry certifications. Easton gives us a stud...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we’re joined by Dennis Roehler, SUSD’s Director of Facilities Management, and Wally Graham, Organization Development Consultant and former member of the SUSD Bond Oversight Committee. We reflect on the 2016 Bond—how the $229 million was allocated to rebuild and renovate schools, enhance safety, and improve transportation. We dive into the challenges faced, includ...

The Scottsdale Family ArtsFest is a vibrant showcase of student creativity, community partnerships, and the power of arts education. In this episode, Michelle Irvin, SUSD's Fine Arts Coordinator, and Natalie Marsh, Director of Learning and Innovation at Scottsdale Arts, take us behind the scenes of this annual celebration. From stunning student performances to hands-on art experiences and collabor...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Chaparral High School’s Criminal Justice teacher, Tarnisha Tilson, and students Angie Rosacci and Charlie Zimmerman to explore how this dynamic Career and Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for real-world careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and legal studies. From hands-on experiences like crime scene investigations and...

Coronado High School is launching a Fire Science Academy, offering students hands-on training in fire science and emergency medical services. In this episode, Principal Melinda Splitek and Coronado junior Naem Pacheco join the pod to discuss the program’s unique partnership with EVIT, the Scottsdale Fire Department, and the Scottsdale Charros, as well as the industry certifications and career path...

How are students shaping the future of Scottsdale Unified School District? In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Fiona Riley and Leon Ray from our Student Advisory Board (SAB) to explore their experiences, leadership growth, and the real impact they’re making in the district. From influencing policies to elevating student voices through Teen Town Halls, hear how these student leaders...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we dive into the power of partnerships in preparing students for the real world. Join us as we discuss the recent Leaders in the Making event with Anthony Vogel from SUSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, Stephanie Miller, Director of Programs & Events at the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and Steven Kupcho, Risk Management Advisor and membe...

In this episode of SUSD Spotlight, we sit down with Kimberlee McClure, President of Scottsdale Parent Council (SPC), and Andrea Augustine, Vice President of Programming, to explore how SPC strengthens the connection between families, schools, and the district. Learn how SPC helps parents navigate education policies, advocate for students, and access valuable resources—all while fostering a collabo...