Make a splash this summer! 🌊
We’re hiring lifeguards at the SCV35 Aquatic Center.
Passionate about water safety? Apply using the link below.
https://santacruz.schoolspring.com/
We’re hiring lifeguards at the SCV35 Aquatic Center.
Passionate about water safety? Apply using the link below.
https://santacruz.schoolspring.com/
✨ Staff of the Year Spotlight ✨
Our 2024–2025 Staff of the Year honorees were recently recognized by the Tubac Rotary for their outstanding dedication and service to our school community. Congratulations to Teacher of the Year Ms. Mary Taft (Coatimundi Middle School), Professional Staff of the Year Ms. Marcia Aguirre-Fontes (Calabasas School) , and Support Staff of the Year Mr. Ben Norzagaray (Transportation).
A special thank you to the Tubac Rotary for their continued support of our staff and students. We also appreciate Coatimundi Middle School Principal Mrs. Rebekah Cabrera, a Tubac Rotary member, and Calabasas School Principal Mr. Jonathan Chavez for being present to support and celebrate our honorees.
Our 2024–2025 Staff of the Year honorees were recently recognized by the Tubac Rotary for their outstanding dedication and service to our school community. Congratulations to Teacher of the Year Ms. Mary Taft (Coatimundi Middle School), Professional Staff of the Year Ms. Marcia Aguirre-Fontes (Calabasas School) , and Support Staff of the Year Mr. Ben Norzagaray (Transportation).
A special thank you to the Tubac Rotary for their continued support of our staff and students. We also appreciate Coatimundi Middle School Principal Mrs. Rebekah Cabrera, a Tubac Rotary member, and Calabasas School Principal Mr. Jonathan Chavez for being present to support and celebrate our honorees.
Our district office and schools will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal hours resume Tuesday, January 20.
We are proud to share that all five of our school sites were named among America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for the 2025–2026 school year. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff members who ensure our students learn and thrive in healthy school environments.
Congratulations to all of our students who participated in yesterday’s SCV35 District Spelling Bee! 🐝
A special congratulations to our champion 🏆 Shulamithy Battu 🏆 and our runner up Emmeline Demarest! We are amazed by your hard work and achievement. We are proud of every student who represented their school. All participants are listed below.
Diego Padilla – Calabasas School
Elian Sanchez – Calabasas School
Alexis Downie – Mountain View Elementary
Sarah Garcia Guzman – Mountain View Elementary
Paul Fontes – San Cayetano Elementary
Raymundo Lopez – San Cayetano Elementary
Santiago Limas – Calabasas School
Dante Nunez-Campos – Calabasas School
Shulamithy Battu – Coatimundi Middle School
Emmeline Demarest – Coatimundi Middle School
Thank you to our pronouncers John Fanning and Superintendent David Verdugo, our judges Mr. Dagoberto Lopez, Mr. Stephen Schadler, and Ms. Yemille Peiro, and Spelling Bee coordinator Ms. Judy Kennedy for her time, dedication, and leadership in organizing this event.
A special congratulations to our champion 🏆 Shulamithy Battu 🏆 and our runner up Emmeline Demarest! We are amazed by your hard work and achievement. We are proud of every student who represented their school. All participants are listed below.
Diego Padilla – Calabasas School
Elian Sanchez – Calabasas School
Alexis Downie – Mountain View Elementary
Sarah Garcia Guzman – Mountain View Elementary
Paul Fontes – San Cayetano Elementary
Raymundo Lopez – San Cayetano Elementary
Santiago Limas – Calabasas School
Dante Nunez-Campos – Calabasas School
Shulamithy Battu – Coatimundi Middle School
Emmeline Demarest – Coatimundi Middle School
Thank you to our pronouncers John Fanning and Superintendent David Verdugo, our judges Mr. Dagoberto Lopez, Mr. Stephen Schadler, and Ms. Yemille Peiro, and Spelling Bee coordinator Ms. Judy Kennedy for her time, dedication, and leadership in organizing this event.
Calling All RRHS Alumni & Hawk Nation! ❤️💛
The Rio Rico High School Athletic Department is creating a “Next Level Commitment” Recognition Board to honor RRHS alumni who signed to play a sport at the collegiate level — and we want to make sure no Hawk is missed!
Fill out the form below or send to another alum athlete who signed to play at the next level after graduating high school.
🔗 https://forms.gle/mEkofAcfuQWGAM5J9
The board will be installed in May, so let’s come together and celebrate our Hawks' achievements! 🏆
The Rio Rico High School Athletic Department is creating a “Next Level Commitment” Recognition Board to honor RRHS alumni who signed to play a sport at the collegiate level — and we want to make sure no Hawk is missed!
Fill out the form below or send to another alum athlete who signed to play at the next level after graduating high school.
🔗 https://forms.gle/mEkofAcfuQWGAM5J9
The board will be installed in May, so let’s come together and celebrate our Hawks' achievements! 🏆
Staff of the Year nominations for the 2025–2026 school year are now open! 🎉 Parents, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to nominate an outstanding SCV35 employee.
🗓 Nominations close February 6, 2026
🔗 Nominate here: https://forms.gle/vFjuYM6BPb5EA2H16
Let’s recognize those who go #ABOVETHEBAR!
🗓 Nominations close February 6, 2026
🔗 Nominate here: https://forms.gle/vFjuYM6BPb5EA2H16
Let’s recognize those who go #ABOVETHEBAR!
Last month, the Rio Rico Rotary Club gifted 60 bicycles to students across the SCV35 district during their annual Bikes for Tykes event 🚲.
The excitement and joy, just in time for the holiday season, made the day extra special for our students and families.
Thank you to the Rio Rico Fire District for providing helmets and helping students learn how to wear them safely, and to the Santa Cruz County Superintendent’s Office for bringing their mobile library for students and families to enjoy 📚.
The excitement and joy, just in time for the holiday season, made the day extra special for our students and families.
Thank you to the Rio Rico Fire District for providing helmets and helping students learn how to wear them safely, and to the Santa Cruz County Superintendent’s Office for bringing their mobile library for students and families to enjoy 📚.
Superintendent Verdugo and Governing Board President Ms. Lourdes Vasquez were proudly recognized at the Arizona School Boards Association’s Annual Conference in December.
Mr. Verdugo was named Arizona’s AASA National Superintendent of the Year for 2025–2026, and Ms. Vasquez received Cognia’s Excellence in Education Award for 2025-2026 . Several SCV35 employees attended the gala to celebrate these well-deserved honors with our district leaders.
Congratulations, Mr. Verdugo and Ms. Vasquez! 🎉
Photo credits: ASBA
January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we are proud to celebrate the dedicated members of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 Governing Board. Thank you for the time, care, and heart you give to our students, staff, and community. Your leadership and commitment help create schools where every student can learn, grow, and succeed. 💛📚
Welcome back, families! As students head back to school tomorrow after winter break, it’s the perfect time to share these cold season truths from Mariposa Community Health Center physicians. From colds and antibiotics to common winter myths, this flyer has helpful tips to keep your family feeling their best as we kick off the new term. ❄️💙
Congratulations to Nova Altfillisch, who has been named Rio Rico Rotary Student of the Month, and to Briana Rodriguez, recognized as Staff of the Month from Mountain View Elementary School. These well-deserved honors reflect their commitment, leadership, and contributions to our school community.
We are grateful for the positive example they set and the dedication they show each day. Their achievements make Mountain View Elementary and our district proud as we continue to celebrate excellence among our students and staff. 🎉
We are grateful for the positive example they set and the dedication they show each day. Their achievements make Mountain View Elementary and our district proud as we continue to celebrate excellence among our students and staff. 🎉
As the semester concludes, we want to recognize the hard work of our students, the dedication of our amazing Transportation team, and the leadership of our district Safety and Security Coordinator, Robert Thompson. 🚌
Throughout the semester, students practiced many drills, including bus evacuations, to ensure everyone is prepared and safe. The teamwork and coordination across our schools truly demonstrate our commitment to the safety of students and staff. ✅
Throughout the semester, students practiced many drills, including bus evacuations, to ensure everyone is prepared and safe. The teamwork and coordination across our schools truly demonstrate our commitment to the safety of students and staff. ✅
As we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the presence of many of our student groups who participated in the Christmas Light Parade in Nogales. 🎄✨
From the Law and Safety Team to the Hawx Dance Team, Student Council, Jazz Band, and more, your dedication and spirit make us proud. Thank you for representing your groups, your community, and showing off true Hawk pride!
From the Law and Safety Team to the Hawx Dance Team, Student Council, Jazz Band, and more, your dedication and spirit make us proud. Thank you for representing your groups, your community, and showing off true Hawk pride!
Happy Holidays, SCV35 families! ❄️✨ We wish you a safe, restful, and joyful winter break.
The District Office will be closed starting December 22, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. Students return to school on Tuesday, January 6. Stay warm and enjoy the break!
The District Office will be closed starting December 22, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. Students return to school on Tuesday, January 6. Stay warm and enjoy the break!
We are grateful to the Rich River Foundation for their generous contribution of more than 400 non-perishable food items to SCV35! Their support will make a meaningful difference for our families this holiday season. 🎁💛🍲
Thank you to the Rio Rico Rotary for recognizing the Rio Rico High School Girls Basketball team at a recent meeting! 🏀👏 The team was honored for their hard work and accomplishments, and the Rotary’s generous donation will go a long way in supporting their continued growth and success. We are truly grateful for the Rio Rico Rotary’s ongoing support of our students, schools, and athletic programs.
🎬 Looking for a sensory-friendly holiday outing?
The Stimming Co. is hosting a sensory-friendly Christmas movie showing at Oasis Cinema in Nogales! Families can enjoy dimmed lights, reduced sound, no previews, a gentle visit with Santa, holiday crafts, and FREE face painting starting at 10:30 a.m. The movie begins at 11:00 a.m.
📅 December 20 | 🎟️ $5 tickets
A wonderful, inclusive way to celebrate the season! ✨
The Stimming Co. is hosting a sensory-friendly Christmas movie showing at Oasis Cinema in Nogales! Families can enjoy dimmed lights, reduced sound, no previews, a gentle visit with Santa, holiday crafts, and FREE face painting starting at 10:30 a.m. The movie begins at 11:00 a.m.
📅 December 20 | 🎟️ $5 tickets
A wonderful, inclusive way to celebrate the season! ✨
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Country Fair White Elephant for their generous donation to SCV35. Their support makes a meaningful difference in our schools and helps us continue providing our students with the education they deserve.
We are truly grateful for their commitment to our community!📚❤️
We are truly grateful for their commitment to our community!📚❤️
SCV35 extends a heartfelt thank you to the Jesus M. Cordova Memorial Foundation for their generous support this holiday season. 💙 Their donation of more than 50 winter jackets to families across the district will help keep our students warm and comfortable during the colder months. We are truly grateful for their continued commitment to our school community.
