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Read the SUSD Source - April 2026
Apr
2026
Have you checked out the new April edition of The Source?
Read it Now!
about Read the SUSD Source - April 2026
Scottsdale Arts Fest!
Feb
24
2026
Friday, March 6, 5–9 pm
Saturday, March 7, 9 am–2 pm
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest
is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances, interactive demonstrations, creative interventions, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the
Scottsdale Civic Center
about Scottsdale Arts Fest!
Join the SUSD Math Strategic Action Team!
Dec
15
2025
Calling All People Who Believe Math Powers Possibility!
SUSD is launching a dynamic, cross-district Math Strategic Action Team—and we want your voice at the table!
about Join the SUSD Math Strategic Action Team!
Join the SUSD SPARK Team!
Dec
15
2025
SUSD is launching the
SPARK Team
, a districtwide strategic action team focused on strengthening and sustaining our signature programs, including STEAM/MSA, IB, Dual Language Immersion, Traditional, AVID, and CGP.
We are inviting
parents and community members
to apply to participate in this collaborative work. The SPARK Team will help guide continuous improvement, explore future program opportunities, and ensure our signature programs remain strong, sustainable, and aligned with student and community needs.
about Join the SUSD SPARK Team!
Notice of Special Session
Oct
23
2025
Notice is hereby given pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-341(32) that a public meeting will be held on November 13, 2025 at 6:00p.m. in the Governing Board Room located at Coronado High School located at 7501 E. Virginia Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
about Notice of Special Session
September Source is Live!
Sep
2025
Have you checked out the new September edition of The Source?
Read it Now!
about September Source is Live!
June Source is Live!
Jun
17
2025
Have you checked out the new June edition of The Source?
Read it Now!
about June Source is Live!
May Source is Live!
May
2025
Have you checked out the new May edition of The Source?
Read it Now!
about May Source is Live!
April Source is Live!
Apr
2025
Have you checked out the new April edition of The Source?
Read it Now!
about April Source is Live!
Calendar RSS Feeds
Apr
28
2026
Governing Board Study Session / Special Meeting
12
06
AM
06
AM
Scottsdale Unified School District Mohave District Annex
Apr
29
2026
Early Release (PreK-12)
all day
Scottsdale Unified School District
May
2026
Early Release (PreK-12)
all day
Scottsdale Unified School District
May
12
2026
Governing Board Regular Meeting
00
PM
10
00
PM
Coronado High School - Governing Board Room
May
20
2026
May
22
2026
Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K
all day
May
21
2026
May
22
2026
Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K
all day
May
21
2026
High School Graduation
all day
May
22
2026
Early Release & HS Final Exams: All Grades, Including Pre-K
all day
May
22
2026
Last Day of School – Early Release (PreK-12)
all day
May
25
2026
Memorial Day
all day
United States of America
Jun
2026
Governing Board Regular Meeting
00
PM
10
00
PM
Coronado High School - Governing Board Room
Jun
23
2026
Governing Board Study Session / Special Meeting
00
PM
00
PM
Scottsdale Unified School District Mohave District Annex
Cocopah Middle School: A Place of Wellness for Everyone
Apr
25
2025
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 connection. This duo shares how Cocopah has become a hub of connection, growth, and student leadership. Hear how the school’s recent Blue Zones recognition is just one example of its commitment to whole-child wellness, and why they believe Cocopah truly has something for everyone.
about Cocopah Middle School: A Place of Wellness for Everyone
From Scottsdale to Broadway: Chap Alum Sam Primack Joins the Pod
Jul
26
2024
Enjoy this exciting episode of the "SUSD Spotlight" podcast, where we sit down with Sam Primack, a talented musical theatre actor and SUSD alum, to discuss his impressive journey from Arizona to the bright lights of Broadway. Sam is most well-known from the final Broadway and National Tour casts of "Dear Evan Hansen," where he has performed the role across the country and in New York. We'll explore his experiences, the impact of his SUSD education, and his recent masterclass at Chaparral High School for current Firebirds.
about From Scottsdale to Broadway: Chap Alum Sam Primack Joins the Pod
Appreciating Teachers & National Board Certification w/Susan Leonard
May
2024
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 candidates. We dive into a fun conversation about education excellence and how teachers in 2024 can feel appreciated and recognized for their achievements.
about Appreciating Teachers & National Board Certification w/Susan Leonard
Annual District Spelling Bee 2024
May
2024
It was 13-year-old Nina Bhatia who emerged as the champion of the January 19 Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Spelling Bee, spelling the word “indemnity” correctly.
Among the words she also had to spell were “megaron,” “coccidiosis” and “innards.” How did the Cocopah Middle School eighth grade student prepare for the 2024 Bee? “For the easier words, I usually just skimmed over them and made sure I practiced them,” said Bhatia.
“For the harder words, though, we had to kind of associate with the picture and also definitions. It took a really long time for the hard words,” she added.
Bhatia credited her mother with helping her study and shared that she doesn’t plan to change her approach for the Region II Spelling Bee that SUSD will host at Coronado High School on February 9. There, she will be joined by the district bee’s five runners-up:
Gabriel Roxas, fifth grade, Hohokam Elementary School
Dhruv Bansal, sixth grade, Desert Canyon Middle School
Raquel Charlesworth, eighth grade, Mountainside Middle School
Jak Boudi, fifth grade, Hopi Elementary School
Promise Elhassan, fourth grade, Yavapai Elementary School
Bee winners from the Cave Creek, Deer Valley and Paradise Valley Unified School districts, as well as northeast Valley charter, private and homeschools, will also participate in the Region II Bee. The regional bee winner will head to the March 16 Arizona Spelling Bee at the Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix. The state bee champion will be Arizona’s representative in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee which will be held May 26 – June 1 in National Harbor, Maryland. As for Bhatia, she reads more nonfiction than fiction these days. Her favorite fiction author is J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame. Her favorite Harry Potter character? Gryffindor’s Hermione Granger, but, she added, “I’m a Slytherin.”
A day earlier, SUSD conducted its second middle school Spanish Spelling Bee. Eighth graders swept the top three spots.
Echo Canyon School’s Adrián Fernando Alvarado Padilla out-spelled 16 other students, winning with the word “embarazoso.” Cocopah Middle School’s Matias Lagos Pucllas finished in second place; Ingleside Middle School’s Angel Gomez finished third.
about Annual District Spelling Bee 2024
Cocopah Middle School, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. With a focus on both rigorous education and holistic development, Cocopah Middle School aims to prepare students for future success through innovative teaching methods and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school community values diversity and strives to foster a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff alike.
OUR ACCOLADES
OUR ACCOLADES
Blue Zones Approved™
Cognia – NCA CASI, NWAC, & SACS CASI
about OUR ACCOLADES
OUR COMMUNITY
OUR COMMUNITY
about OUR COMMUNITY
OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
The Chaparral Learning Community in the Scottsdale Unified School District is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
about OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
OUR POINTS OF PRIDE
OUR POINTS OF PRIDE
Gifted Program
Performing Arts Program
No Place For Hate School
Athletics
about OUR POINTS OF PRIDE
OUR PRINCIPAL
OUR PRINCIPAL
Principal Olney graduated from ASU in 2000 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Global Business. His first career started at Charles Schwab as a stockbroker. Following September 11, 2001 he decided to change career paths...
about OUR PRINCIPAL
COCOPAH HIGHLIGHTS
Honor Roll/Principal’s List
Years A-Rated Middle School
National Junior Honor Society Members
Student Led After School Clubs
Vision
Mission
Values
Goals
Engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning.
We inspire, motivate, and empower all to think critically, act collaboratively, and embrace diversity for a life of intellectual exploration, community engagement, and personal growth.
Excellence
Integrity
Empathy
Trust
Inclusion
Unity
Academic Excellence
Culture and Climate
Talented and Qualified Professionals
Community Engagement and Partnership
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