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Teachers haven’t returned to campus yet, but Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) administrators are already planning for the new year.
All SUSD schools start on Monday, Aug. 5. Back-to-school and meet-the-teacher nights vary for each school, but they take place from Wednesday, July 31, through Friday, Aug. 2.
While older students and experienced parents are familiar with their buildings, pick up and drop off lanes, and other school patterns, the first day of school can be a bigger deal for young students and parents. Pima Elementary School Principal Chris Hodo said he and his staff try to ensure that everything goes smoothly for families.
Pima will have music playing in the halls and let parents walk their children to their classrooms on the first day. Hodo said it’s a family oriented day, and there will be an area for families to take pictures with their students.
“For kindergarten families, on the first day of school, we usually do a ‘peers and cheers’ celebration,” Hodo said. “After they drop off their kindergartener, we have them come into our library. They have some light refreshments and get a chance to mingle with other kindergarten parents, ask questions and I reintroduce myself as principal.”
Hodo said Pima’s meet-the-teacher night is Thursday, Aug. 1, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Students can see their classrooms and meet classmates. Hodo said the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will be there for interested parents to sign up or donate.
Hodo added that the PTO usually helps families and staff get situated on the first day of school.
School is in full swing by the end of the first week, and students will be hard at work. Hodo said sometime near the end of the first week or beginning of the second week, they’ll put on a “PBIS bootcamp” and teach students behavior expectations for the rest of the year.
Pima is also celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Hodo, who’s entering his fifth year as principal, plans to invite all alumni for a birthday bash-style party in December. Alumni will also be invited to join the school in the Parada Del Sol parade next February.
SUSD earned an A rating distinction from the Arizona State Board of Education for the 2022-23 school year, and 28 of its 30 schools received an A or a B rating. Pima earned an A letter grade for ‘22-23, and Hodo wants to build off their success.
“We want to continue with excellent instructional foundations,” Hodo said. “Two years ago, we were a traditional school, [and] we transitioned into a regular community elementary school. One of the things we’ll be doing is trying to find our specialty area moving forward, and then we want to continue building on the strong family-like community that we have here at the school.”
The district website, susd.org, has important information for all SUSD families. Each school’s individual website will have more specific information, such as school supply lists. Visit pima.susd.org to learn more about Pima elementary.
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