SUSD Spotlight

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we introduce Darius Kelly, the new head football coach at Saguaro High School. Coach Kelly shares his vision for the football program, discusses the legacy of the Sabercats, and provides insights into his journey and what brought him to this new role.

In this inspiring episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we dive into the extraordinary life of SUSD parent, Minda Dentler, a powerhouse of determination and inspiration. Minda, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship, shares her incredible journey from an orphanage in India to the global stages of advocacy and athletics. SUSD is proud to have her as a pare...

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we are thrilled to feature Dr. Michelle Watt, a visionary leader at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and innovative strategies within the educational landscape of the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). Join us as we explore the groundbreaking initiatives led by Dr. Watt and her dedicated team, focused on aligning technolo...

In today’s episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we take a look at the district’s new and very first “Grow with SUSD” coloring book, illustrated by Chaparral High School junior Jackson Washburn. The “Grow with SUSD” coloring book is the start of a campaign to highlight the meaningful journey through SUSD schools that students can take. From education opportunities for children as young as 2 yea...

In this insightful episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we explore the journey of Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet, a proud SUSD alum, from his roots in Scottsdale, to becoming the esteemed Rabbi of St. Albans Masorti Synagogue in the United Kingdom. Rabbi Zagoria-Moffet shares his reflections on growing up in SUSD, the impact of his education on his path to spiritual leadership, and the rich experie...

In today’s episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we learn about Blue Zones life practices and policies that encourage longer, healthier lives for everyone. Featuring Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale,  Sarah Kearney, and Patti Bilbrey, Director of Nutrition Services. We will explore the exciting partnership between SUSD and Blue Zones and discuss how Blue Zone principles will...

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we learn about the Early College Campus at Coronado. SUSD and Scottsdale Community College have formed a partnership at Coronado to offer valuable opportunities for Dons to establish connections with SCC professors and local industry leaders and to introduce high-interest classes not already offered as part of dual-enrollment offerings at Coronado H...

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we learn about the amazing academic program called SCORE which serves as a transition program to pair students, their families, and community partners to bridge high school students to future career opportunities. SCORE helps to develop skills to provide independent career exploration and transition planning with real-world mentorship and the PAES p...

This episode delves into Desert Canyon's thriving and unique educational environment, where students benefit from an immersive bilingual education, spending half their day learning in English and the other half in Mandarin. We sit down with Kim Mills, the Principal of Desert Canyon Elementary School, and Amie Hegeman, a dedicated PTO member and parent, to discuss the remarkable achievements and in...

Across the nation, National Board reviews the practice of accomplished teachers to evaluate whether they represent the values and standards of excellence in education. In SUSD, we have nearly 70 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) across our 29 schools. On this episode of Spotlight, we sit down with NBCT Susan Leonard, an Ingleside Middle School educator and SUSD’S lead trainer for NBCT candi...

The SUSD's Student Advisory Board (SAB) 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. Students meet monthly with SUSD District Leadership to collaborate and share current concerns and opportunities for improvement. In today’s episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we’ll chat with student, Nikhi...

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we spotlight the amazing early learning opportunities available within the Scottsdale Unified School District. Dr. Christine Bonow, Director of Early Learning & Community Education, and an esteemed SUSD alum, joins us to discuss the array of programs aimed at the youngest learners, from two-year-olds through pre-kindergarten, including gifted pr...

In this thrilling episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, Superintendent Menzel takes the show "on-the-road" to Laguna Elementary where 5th graders, along with teacher Brian Vogan, witnessed the historic 2024 solar eclipse. Students used problem solving and research to create their own safe viewing devices out of cereal boxes, showcasing this to Dr. Menzel. They expressed their excitement about the...

In this episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, we are treated to a conversation with some voices behind “Gold Dust Avenue,” an a cappella group in SUSD that shines. Led by Dr. Sammy Brauer (who has been teaching music in SUSD since 2007) and featuring student singers such as Lillian Apostolou, Gold Dust Avenue has made Chaparral High School proud by placing 2nd in the 2024 SingStrong New York Sc...

SUSD is full of stars and each week we will “Spotlight” the people and programs making a difference. This exciting venture is dedicated to bringing you inspiring human interest stories, celebrating the successes of our incredible students and staff, highlighting thriving community partnerships, and showcasing the lasting impact of our alumni. Tune in to "Spotlight" as we shine a light on the extra...