There are a few changes this year for parents and students in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Here’s what you should know, whether your children attend SUSD schools or you live in the Scottsdale area.
School is in session longer. Last year, budget cuts forced the school district to shorten the day at the elementary schools, so instead of dismissing students at 3:15 p.m., elementary schools dismissed them at 1 p.m. every Wednesday. Thanks to the budget override that voters approved last fall, the district has been able to return to the full day schedule on Wednesdays this year.
But, that’s not the only piece of good news—because of the override, the district is hiring more teachers and is also reducing the size of classrooms by about three students this year, making for a more one-on-one experience between students and their teachers.
The district is digital. For parents, this means you can find flyers online instead of the bottom of your child’s backpack, make online payments for school fees, and learn about assessment methods, curriculum, textbooks, gifted programs, special education, report cards, and just about anything else related to your child’s education online.
Even if you don’t have students within the district, you can now go online to donate and receive tax credits. The State of Arizona offers tax credits for contributions made to public schools (some restrictions apply) up to $200 per year if single or $400 per year if married and filing jointly.
New enrichment programs. The district is able to offer two new programs this year. At Coronado High School, students can participate in the early-college program that allows students who begin their freshman year to earn up to 12 Scottsdale Community College credits by the time they graduate. The district will pay the cost of tuition.
Navajo Elementary School is introducing its STEAM Design Academy this year for fourth and fifth grade students. The program will provide each student with a laptop and encourage them to develop skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).
You can find district information Nextdoor. Scottsdale Unified School District recently decided to use social media site Nextdoor to disseminate information to parents and residents in neighborhoods near schools. To learn what’s going on at the neighborhood school and within the district, simply enter your address and email address at Nextdoor. The district will alert subscribers on everything from town hall meetings to school lockdowns.
The district office has moved. It may not be a big deal to most residents, or parents for that matter, but it’s worth noting that the district is selling its current office near 44th Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix, and moving to a smaller building at 7575 E. Main Street in Scottsdale. The actual move-in date will be later this fall.
For more information on Scottsdale schools, give us a call or fill out the form below to chat with a member of The Matheson Team. We know Scottsdale because we live here!
