Scottsdale parent groups ready for new school year

The Arcadia Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is always working behind the scenes to support students, teachers and families at Arcadia High School.

Arcadia and all other Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) schools begin the 2024-25 school year on Monday, Aug. 5. PTO President Kerri Flader and other board members have met over the summer to plan for the new year.

The PTO is hosting a “Back-to-School Coffee” for parents on Friday, Aug. 9, at 9 a.m. Parents can catch up after summer break and meet new members of the high school community. The event will be held at Little O’s, 4910 E. Indian School Road.

The PTO held its silent auction at Little O’s last year and called it “the Gameless Tailgate.” Flader said the auction is the PTO’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

“We had a silent auction, the marching band surprised us on the canal, and we had Henry, a burro, passing out favors,” Flader said in an email submission. “We raised almost $90,000 so it was a great night. We are looking at hosting our [next] auction at the end of January or February.”

All proceeds are given back to the school and used in different ways. The PTO supports professional development, continuing education for teachers, technology training, and campus beautification efforts. It also donates classroom supplies and teacher appreciation meals and awards.

The PTO also helps back to school night and supports athletes with Titan of the Month recognition. Toward the end of the year, the PTO put on the Arcadia Beach Bash for a fun Friday for all students, and members plan Project Grad, an adult-supervised, alcohol-free post-graduation party for seniors.

Special needs pop up from time to time, and the PTO donated glasses for students to safely observe the solar eclipse earlier this year.

Flader said the best way for new families to get involved is to check out arcadiapto.org . People can sign up to become a member, volunteer and get added to the “Ablast,” the Arcadia PTO’s weekly newsletter. New families can also request a tour of the school.

The PTO always welcomes volunteers and business partners. Businesses can support the PTO by donating experiences, products or money.

The PTO website has links to social media accounts where more information and fun photos can be found. For all official school related info, go to arcadia.susd.org or susd.org for more information about the district.