Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott A. Menzel writes: As the new school year begins, I am thrilled to share that Scottsdale Unified School District is off to a smooth and successful start. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our educators, staff, students, and families, all of whom are united by a common goal: elevating excellence in everything we do.
This year, we are embracing the theme of "Elevating Excellence" as more than just a guiding principle: it’s a call to action. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of learning, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that every student in our district has the opportunity to excel.
In line with this commitment, we have launched two important, district-wide campaigns that underscore our core values. The first campaign, “Keeping It REAL,” is more than just a catchy acronym: it represents a comprehensive approach to digital media literacy. Standing for Research, Evaluate, Analyze, and Lead with Respect, the initiative aims to instill in students the tools they need to think critically and navigate the digital landscape safely, responsibly, and thoughtfully.
The second campaign emphasizes school bus safety and aims to curb the number of drivers who are illegally passing stopped school buses that have their stop-sign arms extended. A bus stop means full stop. Safe transportation is the foundation of a successful school day and we are working diligently to ensure that every child arrives at school and returns home safely each day.
I also want to highlight the opportunities we offer for ongoing connection and engagement. One of the best ways to stay informed about what’s happening in our district is by reading The SUSD Source (susd.org/source), updated monthly, and by tuning into the SUSD Spotlight podcast series that launched last spring. Spotlight provides insights into the exciting developments in our schools and district, and we invite you to listen on your preferred streaming platform and pitch us your ideas for future episodes at susd.org/spotlight.
As we move forward, I encourage all members of our community to join us on this journey of excellence. Whether you’re a parent, student, or community member, your involvement is crucial to our collective success. If you haven’t already, please consider touring our schools and enrolling in SUSD today. We welcome you to join our district that is dedicated to elevating excellence for every student.
SUSD is a member of the Queen Creek Sun Times Preferred Business Program.
