Scottsdale Unified to host second annual SUSD Education Expo Nov. 5 at Saguaro High School

Scottsdale Unified School District will hold its second annual SUSD Education Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Saguaro High School, district Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Leah Mitchell said on the district podcast SUSD Spotlight. The event is intended for prospective and current families to learn about elementary, middle and high school programs in one evening and to connect with teachers and school leaders.

The district plans an expo-style layout in the main gym with tables representing schools and programs where families can collect pamphlets and speak with principals and teachers, and an auxiliary gym dedicated to career and technical education (CTE) demonstrations, Mitchell said. CTE participants last year asked to showcase hands-on elements — culinary tasting and criminal justice demonstrations were cited as examples — and the district is expanding that presence this year.

In addition to the gym displays, the expo will offer conference-style sessions of about 25–30 minutes on specific programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB) primary years, middle years and diploma programs, Mitchell said. Families are encouraged to register in advance through the Sched app to reserve seats in those sessions, though attendees may also walk through the gym without attending sessions.

Mitchell said the district aims both to recruit new families and to retain currently enrolled families by highlighting program options and pathways across grade levels. She noted that last year the Math and Science Academy reported new enrollments attributable to expo sessions and that the district has expanded the academy—s footprint to include Mojave Middle School. The district also used last year—s expo for recruitment: Human Resources will again be on site to discuss vacancies and hiring opportunities.

District staff said logistical improvements from last year include placing session rooms closer to the main gym and clearer signage. The district intends to have student volunteers, including members of student advisory groups and National Honor Society, serve as ambassadors to speak with visiting families. Translation supports will be available on-site and the district will provide real-time subtitles and translation for Spanish-speaking families; additional translation assistance may be requested in advance.

Families will be able to enroll during the expo; district departments including transportation and nutrition will have representatives available to answer questions about bus service and meal programs. The district described the evening as family-friendly and encouraged attendees to bring students of all ages.

The event date and time were stated on the podcast; additional details such as a full session schedule are available through the district—s Sched app and susd.org/spotlight, the district said.