Dear Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Family,

 

It’s hard to believe that the 2012-13 school year is almost over. In the past few weeks, we have had many exceptional school and student achievements that I would like to celebrate. We are truly proud of Anasazi, Cherokee and Tavan elementary school which each have earned the distinction of being named a 2013 A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). This is the fourth time that Anasazi has been honored with this award; the school also received the honor in 1995, 2003 and 2009. This is the first time that Cherokee and Tavan have received the honor. A+ Schools are evaluated through an extensive application and rigorous site visit by the AEF A+ review panel, consisting of teachers, administrators, community volunteers and business leaders. Preparation of each school's application involves its students, faculty, administration and surrounding community.

 

Congratulations to Cameron Danesh, a 6^th grade student at Mountainside Middle School, who will represent Arizona at the 25th Annual National Geographic Bee on May 22nd in Washington, D.C. We are extremely proud of him. This is an amazing accomplishment for Cameron, Mountainside and SUSD! We wish him the very best of luck at the National Geographic Bee. We’ll be rooting for him.

 

Several Native American students recently exhibited art work at the Heard Museum Guild’s Annual American Indian Student Art Show and Sale. Preslie Thompson, a senior at Coronado High School, won a first place, a third place and an honorable mention, along with a cash prize, in the drawings category. One of her works was also honored with a special “Judge’s Choice” award and featured in the silent auction. Brody Begay, a Coronado freshman, received a second place award and an honorable mention, along with a monetary prize, also in the drawings category. In addition, Brody’s work was chosen to appear on the Heard Museum Guild’s note cards. Seniors Senobio Baltierra, Jr. and Nekisa Corbett

were also selected to exhibit works at the show. These four students have further been invited to attend a Student Career Art Symposium held at the Heard Museum this summer in which young Native American artists who work in a variety of media will spend time with the students and provide demonstrations and advice on realizing a successful career in the arts.

 

We recently celebrated the milestones of SUSD employees who reached 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 45 years of service and our retirees. They were honored during our annual Scottsdale Honors Its Own event. More than 4,600 years of service were recognized. We truly thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to education, children and SUSD!

 

We are excited to launch the new Ask SUSD Facebook page. On this page, you will find up to the minute information and facts about what’s going on throughout the District. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about important SUSD topics. Don’t forget to “like” us, ask your questions, give suggestions and get the facts.

 

We know that budget concerns are on everyone’s mind. Our Governing Board has determined that we will have registered nurses and specials for elementary students for the 2013-14 school year. In order to accomplish this, our District leaders will forego 7.5% of their compensation this coming year. I have also learned that our legislature won’t pass the state budget until June. I encourage you to contact your state legislator and voice your concerns about funding for education. Our Budget Committee is still working to create a proposal that will be presented to the Governing Board. Meeting minutes of the Budget Committee can be found on the District website. Governing Board special meetings regarding the budget will be held on May 8^th, May 20^th, May 28 and June 5^th. Please check the SUSD website for the times.

 

Many of our schools will have promotion ceremonies to celebrate our students’ successes. On May 23^rd our high school seniors will be graduating. This will be one of the proudest moments for these students, as well as for their parents, grandparents and teachers. Many of our students will receive scholarships to colleges and universities across the nation. I believe we have prepared our students for the rest of their educational journey, and we wish them the best of luck.

 

Construction at our middle schools is almost complete, and we will have dedication ceremonies in the fall to celebrate the projects. We would like to thank the community who voted for the 2010 Bond which made it possible to provide state-of-the-art learning facilities for our students.

 

If you are still looking for the perfect Summer Camp for your child, SUSD offers many Summer Camps and Programs for students of all ages! Visit http://susdcommunityed.org/ to learn more about how we can accommodate your child’s needs, interests, and goals! Students can experience a variety of Athletic programs and camps for team & individual sports and Special Education and Performing Arts Camps, including Vocal, Instrumental and Visual Arts! Also, find out more about our Academic Summer School for middle and high school students (traditional classroom courses and eLearning) and Early Childhood and Kids Club opportunities. Experience SUSD this summer, where learning never stops!