Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 is proud to announce that all five of our school sites have been selected as 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation!
This national recognition celebrates schools that are committed to supporting the health, well being, and success of the whole child. Having all five SCV35 schools recognized is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community.
We are also incredibly proud to celebrate Coatimundi Middle School, which was recognized in all nine health related topic areas and named an America’s Healthiest Schools All Star School, a distinction awarded to just 200 schools nationwide.
Congratulations to all five of our schools, and a special congratulations to Coatimundi Middle School on this outstanding achievement!
This national recognition celebrates schools that are committed to supporting the health, well being, and success of the whole child. Having all five SCV35 schools recognized is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community.
We are also incredibly proud to celebrate Coatimundi Middle School, which was recognized in all nine health related topic areas and named an America’s Healthiest Schools All Star School, a distinction awarded to just 200 schools nationwide.
Congratulations to all five of our schools, and a special congratulations to Coatimundi Middle School on this outstanding achievement!
The SCV35 District Office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, during regular business hours.
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, during regular business hours.
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
Congratulations to Sebastian Castro, Rio Rico High School’s Student Body President, on being selected as one of only three State Presidents through the Arizona Association of Student Councils (AASC)!
This is the first time in RRHS history that our Student Body President has been selected for this statewide leadership position. Sebastian was chosen through a competitive selection process that included applications, interviews, and speeches before thousands of conference attendees, and was ultimately voted in by student council members from across Arizona.
Demonstrating his dedication and initiative, Sebastian also reached out to former State Presidents and student council leaders throughout Arizona to learn from their experiences and prepare for this opportunity.
Last week, Sebastian was recognized by our Governing Board Members and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melisa Lunderville for this incredible accomplishment.
We are proud of Sebastian and grateful for the guidance and support of his teachers, Counselor Ms. Kayli Munoz, and RRHS Principal Mr. Dagoberto Lopez.
Congratulations, Sebastian, on making RRHS history and leading the way at the state level!
This is the first time in RRHS history that our Student Body President has been selected for this statewide leadership position. Sebastian was chosen through a competitive selection process that included applications, interviews, and speeches before thousands of conference attendees, and was ultimately voted in by student council members from across Arizona.
Demonstrating his dedication and initiative, Sebastian also reached out to former State Presidents and student council leaders throughout Arizona to learn from their experiences and prepare for this opportunity.
Last week, Sebastian was recognized by our Governing Board Members and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melisa Lunderville for this incredible accomplishment.
We are proud of Sebastian and grateful for the guidance and support of his teachers, Counselor Ms. Kayli Munoz, and RRHS Principal Mr. Dagoberto Lopez.
Congratulations, Sebastian, on making RRHS history and leading the way at the state level!
Earlier this week, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melisa Lunderville and our Governing Board Members had the opportunity to recognize our outstanding Student Services Department and the important work they do each day for our students and families.
For many families, Student Services is the first point of contact when they join Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35. From that first interaction through their time in our district, this team is there to answer questions, navigate enrollment, provide support, solve problems, connect families with resources, and help ensure that every student and family feels welcomed and supported.
Student Services oversees enrollment and Special Education services while working closely with families and schools to meet the needs of our students. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but the impact they have is felt throughout our district.
Every member of this team brings compassion, patience, professionalism, and kindness to their work, consistently going above and beyond to serve our students and families. They play an important role in making sure that when a family joins SCV35, their experience reflects who we are as a district and our commitment to supporting students every step of the way.
We are proud to recognize:
Mercedes Thompson - Special Education Coordinator
Rita Sanchez - Enrollment Specialist
Rosy Switalski - District Registrar
Elizabeth Moraila - Secretary
Margarita Villegas - Secretary
Alexa Legazpy - Office Assistant
Thank you to our Student Services team for your dedication, your care, and the meaningful difference you make for our students, families, and schools each day.
For many families, Student Services is the first point of contact when they join Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35. From that first interaction through their time in our district, this team is there to answer questions, navigate enrollment, provide support, solve problems, connect families with resources, and help ensure that every student and family feels welcomed and supported.
Student Services oversees enrollment and Special Education services while working closely with families and schools to meet the needs of our students. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but the impact they have is felt throughout our district.
Every member of this team brings compassion, patience, professionalism, and kindness to their work, consistently going above and beyond to serve our students and families. They play an important role in making sure that when a family joins SCV35, their experience reflects who we are as a district and our commitment to supporting students every step of the way.
We are proud to recognize:
Mercedes Thompson - Special Education Coordinator
Rita Sanchez - Enrollment Specialist
Rosy Switalski - District Registrar
Elizabeth Moraila - Secretary
Margarita Villegas - Secretary
Alexa Legazpy - Office Assistant
Thank you to our Student Services team for your dedication, your care, and the meaningful difference you make for our students, families, and schools each day.
As we begin the new school year, we want to share important information with families about student attendance and respiratory illness.
The CDC’s current guidance is symptom-based, meaning students should stay home when they are sick and return to school once their symptoms are improving and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Please take a moment to review the graphic for guidance on when students should stay home, when they can return to school, and ways families can help reduce the spread of illness.
Regular attendance is important to student learning and success. Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy and our students in school when they are well enough to learn.
The CDC’s current guidance is symptom-based, meaning students should stay home when they are sick and return to school once their symptoms are improving and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Please take a moment to review the graphic for guidance on when students should stay home, when they can return to school, and ways families can help reduce the spread of illness.
Regular attendance is important to student learning and success. Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy and our students in school when they are well enough to learn.
Last week, our Governing Board, alongside Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melisa Lunderville, had the pleasure of recognizing Dr. Eladio Pereira, Dr. J. Philip Williams, and Amy Taylor from Mariposa Community Health Center for their continued partnership and support of our students and families.
Our partnership with MCHC is a wonderful example of what is possible when two organizations come together with a shared commitment to helping families. From telehealth services and behavioral health support to on site COVID 19 vaccinations during the pandemic and affordable sports physicals, MCHC has consistently stepped up to support our community.
This summer, more than 100 of our students received sports physicals through this partnership, helping remove financial and logistical barriers for families and ensuring our student athletes were ready for their seasons.
Thank you, Dr. Pereira, Dr. Williams, Amy Taylor, and the entire Mariposa Community Health Center team, for your compassion, flexibility, and continued commitment to our students and families. We are grateful for all that you do for SCV35!
Our partnership with MCHC is a wonderful example of what is possible when two organizations come together with a shared commitment to helping families. From telehealth services and behavioral health support to on site COVID 19 vaccinations during the pandemic and affordable sports physicals, MCHC has consistently stepped up to support our community.
This summer, more than 100 of our students received sports physicals through this partnership, helping remove financial and logistical barriers for families and ensuring our student athletes were ready for their seasons.
Thank you, Dr. Pereira, Dr. Williams, Amy Taylor, and the entire Mariposa Community Health Center team, for your compassion, flexibility, and continued commitment to our students and families. We are grateful for all that you do for SCV35!
Dear SCV35 Families,
Each year, Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 provides families with information regarding the release of student directory information.
The Annual Directory Information Opt-Out Form is attached for your review. Please review the information provided in the attached form.
If you would like to opt your child out of the release of directory information, please see your child’s school front office staff or principal to complete the opt-out process.
If you do not wish to opt your child out, no action is necessary.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SCV35.
___________________________________________________________
Estimadas familias de SCV35:
Cada año, el Distrito Escolar Unificado No. 35 del Valle de Santa Cruz proporciona a las familias información relacionada con la divulgación de la información del directorio estudiantil.
Se adjunta el Formulario Anual para No Autorizar la Divulgación de Información del Directorio para su revisión. Por favor, revise la información proporcionada en el formulario adjunto.
Si desea NO autorizar la divulgación de la información del directorio de su hijo(a), por favor comuníquese con el personal de la oficina principal de la escuela o con el director(a) de la escuela de su hijo(a) para completar el proceso de exclusión.
Si no desea excluir a su hijo(a) de la divulgación de esta información, no es necesario realizar ninguna acción.
Gracias por su continua colaboración y apoyo a SCV35.
Each year, Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 provides families with information regarding the release of student directory information.
The Annual Directory Information Opt-Out Form is attached for your review. Please review the information provided in the attached form.
If you would like to opt your child out of the release of directory information, please see your child’s school front office staff or principal to complete the opt-out process.
If you do not wish to opt your child out, no action is necessary.
Thank you for your continued partnership with SCV35.
___________________________________________________________
Estimadas familias de SCV35:
Cada año, el Distrito Escolar Unificado No. 35 del Valle de Santa Cruz proporciona a las familias información relacionada con la divulgación de la información del directorio estudiantil.
Se adjunta el Formulario Anual para No Autorizar la Divulgación de Información del Directorio para su revisión. Por favor, revise la información proporcionada en el formulario adjunto.
Si desea NO autorizar la divulgación de la información del directorio de su hijo(a), por favor comuníquese con el personal de la oficina principal de la escuela o con el director(a) de la escuela de su hijo(a) para completar el proceso de exclusión.
Si no desea excluir a su hijo(a) de la divulgación de esta información, no es necesario realizar ninguna acción.
Gracias por su continua colaboración y apoyo a SCV35.
As a friendly reminder, bus routes for all SCV35 school sites are available anytime on our district website.
To view your student's transportation route, please visit:
https://www.scv35.org/page/transportation
If you have any questions or need assistance, our Transportation Department is happy to help. Please call (520) 375-8885.
Thank you for helping us keep our students' transportation running smoothly. We hope everyone has a wonderful school year!
To view your student's transportation route, please visit:
https://www.scv35.org/page/transportation
If you have any questions or need assistance, our Transportation Department is happy to help. Please call (520) 375-8885.
Thank you for helping us keep our students' transportation running smoothly. We hope everyone has a wonderful school year!
Welcome Back to School!
We're excited to welcome our students and families back for another amazing school year at SCV35!
The first day of school is Monday, August 3, 2026. We can't wait to see everyone back on campus, ready to learn, grow, and make new memories.
Before the first day, be sure to visit your school's website for important information about:
Student registration and orientations
Meet the Teacher events
Back-to-school updates and announcements
Let's make this school year our best one yet!
At SCV35, we Dream. Learn. Lead!
📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE: NEW LOCATION FOR OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLITZ! 📢
Please note that our 17th Annual Back-to-School Blitz has been moved to Coatimundi Middle School.
📍 NEW LOCATION:
Coatimundi Middle School
1412 W. Frontage Road
Rio Rico, AZ
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
🎒 This event is open to currently enrolled Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35 students only.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this important update with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please note that our 17th Annual Back-to-School Blitz has been moved to Coatimundi Middle School.
📍 NEW LOCATION:
Coatimundi Middle School
1412 W. Frontage Road
Rio Rico, AZ
📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
🎒 This event is open to currently enrolled Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35 students only.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this important update with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
More improvements are happening across SCV35! 🌞
We're excited to share the completion of two new shade structure projects at the Rio Rico High School Aquatic Center and Calabasas School! These additions provide students, staff, families, and community members with comfortable, shaded outdoor spaces to enjoy during learning, activities, and community events.
A special thank you to our District Leadership and Governing Board Members for their continued commitment to investing in our schools and creating safe, welcoming spaces for our students, staff, and community.
Our District Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
A new speed limit sign is now in place on Camino Lito Galindo, helping promote safer travel for our students, families, staff, and community members.
Thank you to Santa Cruz County and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for making this possible through a grant-funded initiative. We extend our appreciation to Shannon Hall, Lysette Sanchez, and Roxie Leyva for their partnership and dedication to improving safety in our community!
Thank you to Santa Cruz County and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for making this possible through a grant-funded initiative. We extend our appreciation to Shannon Hall, Lysette Sanchez, and Roxie Leyva for their partnership and dedication to improving safety in our community!
Reminder! 📢
The SCV35 Summer Meal Program is currently underway, providing FREE breakfast and lunch meals to all children 18 years old and under.
Families may access meals at Rio Rico High School during designated meal times and at various community locations through the Santa Cruising Food Truck route. Please review the attached flyers for meal service dates, times, and locations.
⚠️ Important:
• Students must be present to receive a meal.
• If a student is not present, identification verifying the child's age must be provided in order to receive a meal on their behalf.
Thank you for helping us ensure meals are distributed in accordance with program requirements.
For questions or concerns, please call 520-375-8277.
The SCV35 Summer Meal Program is currently underway, providing FREE breakfast and lunch meals to all children 18 years old and under.
Families may access meals at Rio Rico High School during designated meal times and at various community locations through the Santa Cruising Food Truck route. Please review the attached flyers for meal service dates, times, and locations.
⚠️ Important:
• Students must be present to receive a meal.
• If a student is not present, identification verifying the child's age must be provided in order to receive a meal on their behalf.
Thank you for helping us ensure meals are distributed in accordance with program requirements.
For questions or concerns, please call 520-375-8277.
SCV35 Summer Meal Program begins June 1st and runs through July 17th! Free breakfast and lunch meals will be available for children 18 years old and under at the scheduled community stops listed below. 🚍🍎
Please review the flyer carefully for stop locations and times. Students must be present to receive a meal.
For questions, please call 520-375-8277.
☀️ SCV35 Summer Swim Lessons are back! 🏊♀️🏊♂️
Check out our full summer session schedule. Registration opens Monday, May 25 at 8:00 AM. Spots are limited and classes will close once maximum participants are reached.
📌 Important Information:
• Children must be at least 5 years old to participate
• $40 registration fee per child, per session
• Session 1 classes are condensed into one week due to scheduled construction
• Pool will be CLOSED June 8–13 for construction
Parents can find the registration form here:
https://www.scv35.org/page/aquatic-center
We can’t wait for another fun summer at the pool! ☀️💦
Check out our full summer session schedule. Registration opens Monday, May 25 at 8:00 AM. Spots are limited and classes will close once maximum participants are reached.
📌 Important Information:
• Children must be at least 5 years old to participate
• $40 registration fee per child, per session
• Session 1 classes are condensed into one week due to scheduled construction
• Pool will be CLOSED June 8–13 for construction
Parents can find the registration form here:
https://www.scv35.org/page/aquatic-center
We can’t wait for another fun summer at the pool! ☀️💦
That’s a wrap, SCV35! 🎉📚
Today marks the final day of classes for the 2025–2026 school year! Thank you to our amazing students, staff, families, and community for a year filled with learning, growth, achievements, and memories. 💙💛
We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and relaxing summer break! ☀️ See you next school year!
Today marks the final day of classes for the 2025–2026 school year! Thank you to our amazing students, staff, families, and community for a year filled with learning, growth, achievements, and memories. 💙💛
We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and relaxing summer break! ☀️ See you next school year!
Happy National School Nurse Day! ❤️
Today we proudly recognize and thank our incredible SCV35 school nurses for the care, compassion, and support they provide to our students and staff every single day. From helping our youngest learners feel safe and cared for to supporting our students through every stage of their journey, your presence makes a lasting difference across our campuses.
We are grateful for:
San Cayetano Elementary School: Paulette Morales
Mountain View Elementary School: Paola Romero
Coatimundi Middle School: Clarisa Ramirez
Calabasas School: Nichole Peña and Nayelie Garcia
Rio Rico High School: Halle DeWitt, Roshery Parada, and Sujaila Tamayo
Thank you for your dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our school communities. ❤️🩹
Today we proudly recognize and thank our incredible SCV35 school nurses for the care, compassion, and support they provide to our students and staff every single day. From helping our youngest learners feel safe and cared for to supporting our students through every stage of their journey, your presence makes a lasting difference across our campuses.
We are grateful for:
San Cayetano Elementary School: Paulette Morales
Mountain View Elementary School: Paola Romero
Coatimundi Middle School: Clarisa Ramirez
Calabasas School: Nichole Peña and Nayelie Garcia
Rio Rico High School: Halle DeWitt, Roshery Parada, and Sujaila Tamayo
Thank you for your dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our school communities. ❤️🩹
Huge congratulations to Alina Lopez on being selected as an April 2026 Arizona State Board of Education Student of the Month! Nominated by her teacher, Ms. Bing Tan, Alina had the incredible opportunity to address the Board and share a few words.
This outstanding achievement truly reflects Rio Rico High School’s core values of Relationships, Excellence, and Pride, and is a meaningful moment for our entire community.
Click the link below to watch Alina’s recognition and her remarks to the Board.
https://www.youtube.com/live/tCRwCktLYFo?si=p9aDwbBb5M7PL_Q-&t=535
In honor of International Firefighters Day yesterday, Angie Lopez and Audra Bilow from our district office visited the Tubac Fire District to personally thank their team for all that they do to protect our community. They delivered donuts and a certificate signed by Superintendent Verdugo and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lunderville as a small token of appreciation.
Thank you to Fire Chief Mr. Ben Guerrero, who also serves as our Clerk of the Governing Board, and his team for welcoming us, and for their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to keeping our students and families safe each and every day.
Thank you to Fire Chief Mr. Ben Guerrero, who also serves as our Clerk of the Governing Board, and his team for welcoming us, and for their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to keeping our students and families safe each and every day.
