PODCAST · education
The 'Supe Scoop
by DVUSD 'Supe Scoop
Go behind the scenes at Deer Valley Unified School District with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch! We'll start with monthly podcasts as we dive deep into the district with the 'Supe Scoop.
Episodes
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46: Making an Impact: DVUSD Students Leading, Competing & Creating
What an incredible group of students and an incredible collection of experiences. Shamitha and Nandana showed us that our students don’t just have a seat at the table—they can help shape the conversation. Their work on the National AI Student Senate gave them an opportunity to bring the student...
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45: Welcome Home: Three New Principals Come Back to DVUSD
Sometimes, the path in education takes you to different schools, different districts, and different communities. But for some of our staff, DVUSD has always felt like home — and this year, we’re excited to welcome three familiar faces back to our district as principals. Holly, Scott, and Jarrod...
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44: Welcoming three new principals from within DVUSD and their stories.
Dr. Finch interviews three of our newest principals. What makes their stories especially exciting is that all three have already been part of the DVUSD family. They are stepping into new leadership roles to serve even more students, families , and staff.
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43: When Three Diplomas Come Home at the Same Time
It’s a triple-double to end the school year, as Dr. Finch meets with two sets of triplets who are graduating from high school this year. The Han brothers from Boulder Creek High School, and the Brown sisters of Sandra Day O'Connor High School share their memories of their DVUSD journeys.
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42: Trophy Time! Spelling and Reading Our Way to the Top
Dr. Finch meets with four recent competition winners-- two from the spelling bee arena, and two from the DVUSD Battle of the Books. Find out what it takes for students to study and train for their moment in the spotlight when they compete against other district and regional students!
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41: From the Students Themselves: Why DVUSD Kindergarten is So Fun!
Dr. Finch gets the inside scoop on kindergarten at a DVUSD school, when he hears from the students and teachers at Park Meadows Elementary School!
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40: Sand in Our Toes: Award Winners in Beach Volleyball & Scholarships
Dr. Finch talks with O’Connor beach volleyball head coach Jamey Spartz, recently named the NFHS coach of the year in the nation for volleyball. And we meet Goldwater senior Makayla Martin, who will be studying nursing in Hawaii after receiving a generous scholarship opportunity from the Navy.
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39: A Trailblazer Teacher and a Neighborhood Principal
Dr. Finch catches up with Boulder Creek High School AP history teacher Ryan Donovan on being recently named a Top 50 trailblazing teacher in the country. And we get to know Gavilan Peak School principal Kelly Zywczyk, who is now leading her community's school.
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38: DVUSD Long Range Planning: An Eye on 2035 In 2025
Dr. Finch discusses the long range planning for DVUSD, with an eye on 2035 in 2025. Learn why DVUSD is balancing resources now instead of a few years from now when new communities near the TSMC chip plant open to residents. Get the facts on DVUSD's long range planning at DVUSD.org/boundaries.
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37: A Continuous Salute to Our Principals
Dr. Finch sits down with three new DVUSD principals who are not new to the Deer Valley district! Get to know Sunrise Elementary principal Michelle Martelli, Esperanza Elementary principal Amber Landis, and Manager of Aspire, Chelsey Laningham.
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36: The FYI on CTE-- How DVUSD Helps Students Go From Class to a Career
With the annual CTE Career Expo coming up on October 20 at the Innovation Center, Dr. Finch learns more about CTE opportunities for high school students in accounting, media production, and law & public safety. You can learn more about DVUSD CTE programs at DVUSD.org/cte.
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35: Getting the Inside Dish on DVUSD Food & Nutrition
When a student picks up a tray of food at the school cafeteria, that meal didn't just magically appear from a microwave oven. It takes months of planning for menus, ingredients, and storage to make school breakfast and lunch happen every day for 180 days a school year! Dr. Finch sits down with…
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34: Getting Bold with the Black & Gold
Dr. Finch meets the new principal at Desert Sky Middle School, and a new assistant principal and athletic director at Barry Goldwater High School.
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33: Kicking Off the 2025-26 School Year
Dr. Finch introduces us to Dr. Janet Gilbert, a "new" principal who is back in the principal's office at Constitution Elementary School after a year of working for the district's PLC program. And how do we keep all of the classrooms cool and comfortable in these hot summer months? Jeremy Bushong...
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32: Introducing Our Rookies of the Year
Dr. Finch speaks with the two DVUSD rookies of the year for the 2024-25 school year: Austyn Lucero-Storlid and Dawson Caldwell. While each teacher has a unique path to the head of the classroom, they had the same inspirations to set them on their path.
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31: Immersing in Language Immersion
Dr. Finch learns more about the DVUSD Mandarin Immersion program from a student, teacher, and a national champion speaker all in the program's Gavilan Peak/Boulder Creek track. You'll see how language immersion can open doors in the classroom and in a student's everyday life.
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30: Summer Fun In the District
Summer break will be here before you know it. What are your kids doing to beat the heat (and boredom)? Dr. Finch learns more about the summer opportunities to catch up, get ahead, or to just have some fun.
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29: "A" is for "Award"
Dr. Finch catches up with some award-winning and state finalist teachers, including Boulder Creek's Ryan Donovan and Emmett Burnton, and Anthem School's Mary Killebrew to see how their journey brought them and their schools to the winner's circle.
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28: Finding the Guidance Needed in the Classroom and in Life
During this National School Counseling Week, Dr. Finch learns more about the options available to DVUSD students and staff in psychological counseling and academic counseling. Those in need of either or both are in the great hands and care of district counselors.
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27: Meet the New DVUSD Governing Board Members: Dr. Karen Pack and Steve Bottfeld
One of the many important parts of this past election was the selection of three DVUSD governing board members. Kim Fisher was re-elected to the board, and the two remaining open seats were won by Dr. Karen Pack and Steve Bottfeld. While Pack and Bottfeld are new to the board, they are not new to...
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26: Music to Our Ears
It's a special moment when a school district has a band place in the marching band finals in state competition. It's a very special moment when a band wins its division in state competition. And it's truly #extraordinary to have ALL of your high school bands place in the finals with TWO schools...
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25: Making the Grade: How Schools Get an "A" While Others Strive for the Top
A lot of factors go into school letter grades, and it often takes a lot of time to make it to the top and stay there. Dr. Finch talks to three DVUSD principals who have lead an A-rated school for years, for the first time, or are working their way to the top.
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24: From High School to Careers: How CTE Helps Students Post-Graduation
In conjunction with DVUSD's High School to Career Expo on October 24, Dr. Finch sat down with CTE students, advisors, and industry pros to see how CTE is positively impacting students' lives by getting them prepared for a career after high school graduation.
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23: What Does the DVUSD Override Fund?
Since 1991, the DVUSD M&O override has funded athletics, arts, free full-day kindergarten, student services, gifted programs, and so much more. Dr. Finch discusses the effect of override funding with the people who see it in use every day. Listen to more episodes of The 'Supe Scoop podcast at...
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22: What Does the DVUSD Bond Fund?
Residents living in the DVUSD boundaries will have an opportunity to vote on a proposed bond to help fund DVUSD schools. What exactly does the bond fund? Dr. Finch hears from leaders in facilities, athletics, school operations, and transportation to share how past bonds have helped DVUSD grow as...
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21: Meet Two Extraordinary DVUSD Employees Who Go the Extra Mile
In this episode of The 'Supe Scoop Podcast, you'll get to know Union Park teacher Brenda Western, who overcame challenges early in her life and is now paying it back by helping neighbors who literally became her family. And you'll meet Cooper Creek custodian Howard Massey, who at 87 years old...
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20: Meet the New DVUSD Principals
DVUSD has three new principals this year, but they are not new to DVUSD. Hear how Jessica Brunk, Bryan Eberwein, and Samantha Colangelo all made the leap from assistant principal to principal.
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19: How Day 1 Starts Weeks in Advance
Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch talks to some of the people who work year-round to make sure DVUSD schools are operating fully, especially for the first day of school. You'll hear from a plant supervisor, a registrar, and a secretary who help our schools shine every day, not just the first day!
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18: Getting an Early Start to Head Start
For more than 30 years, DVUSD has worked hand-in-hand with Head Start– a program that has assisted more than 38 million children nationwide since its inception in 1965. Head Start provides early learning and development opportunities, health and wellness guidance, family well-being assistance…
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17: Appreciation for the Artists Behind the Arts
The annual high school art showcase and superintendent's selection of pieces to be housed at the district office happened in March at the Outlets North Phoenix. Dr. Finch caught up with all five award winners to talk about their inspiration behind the pieces.
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16: The Science of Reading: How Starting Reading at a Young Age Leads to Success Later in Life
All those nights of reading the same story to your toddler over and over and over again actually will pay off! Dr. Finch stops by West Wing School to discuss the science of reading with K-2 teachers and reading specialists, and a trio of Battle of the Books champion students! Listen to more...
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15: Living the American Dream at a DVUSD School
In 1986, Victor Mendoza and his younger brother came to the United States from Guatemala with literally nothing and no one to connect with. Over the next 30 years, Victor worked hard as a maintenance technician at various businesses around Phoenix, and then he found a home in DVUSD starting at…
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14: Starting the Extraordinary Education Journey
While you're never too old to learn, there's a standard starting point for formal education-- kindergarten! Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is underway, and if your child will be 5 years old by August 31, you can sign him or her up for free full-day kindergarten. And why should you sign up...
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13: How a National Certification Improves an Individual's Learning
The National Board Certification process is rigorous and time-consuming, but the rewards speak for themselves. On this edition of The Supe Scoop podcast, we learn more about the National Board Certification, and meet five DVUSD teachers who received certification this past year. You'll hear how...
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12: Ann E's Giving Closet & Pantry
It's easy to take the little things in life for granted. For many families in the DVUSD community though, the "little things" like shoes and clothing and food are big things because they are not always available. The new Ann E's Giving Closet & Pantry at Deer Valley Middle School aims to help...
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11: The FAQ on PLC
Did you ever wonder why DVUSD students are released 90 minutes early on Fridays? Professional Learning Communities, or PLC, is why. But what is PLC and why do they make a major positive difference for both teachers and students? Dr. Finch digs into why DVUSD is part of the PLC process, as he…
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10: Helping New Teachers Find Their Purpose in the Classroom
There's no secret that there are thousands of teacher vacancies in Arizona and in America, but DVUSD's percentage of vacancies is a small part of that larger number thanks in part to the Teacher Prep Program (TPP). The TPP allows people with various professional backgrounds to transition to the...
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9: How DVUSD Schools Make the Grade
The Arizona Department of Education recently announced its school grades based on the 2022-23 student performance, and DVUSD has a district-best 26 schools earn an "A". But what exactly does it mean to be an A school? In this episode of The 'Supe Scoop, we hear from principals, teachers, and…
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8: A Salute to Service: Honoring Some of our DVUSD Military Veterans
With Veterans Day coming up, Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch wanted to get to know more about military veterans who are now working for DVUSD. From what got them into the military, to how they are now guiding students and staff in public education, you'll further appreciate the dedication and...
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7: Learning for Work and Learning for Life
Dr. Curtis Finch sits down with Career & Technical Education (CTE) students, staff, and recruiters to share what CTE is and how it prepares students for work and for life. The CTE Career Expo is October 26th at the DVUSD Innovation Center. Hear more episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at...
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6: Mother & Daughter Dynamic Duo Teachers
It's not unusual to see children of teachers become teachers themselves. But DVUSD has some interesting family ties, as we share the story of three mother/daughter combos who teach at the same school. On duo even teaches the same grade! Learn how each blazed her own path, while still relying on…
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5: The November 7th Bond + M&O Override Election
Dr. Finch sits down with DVUSD deputy superintendent of Fiscal & Business Services Jim Migliorino to go over the factual information that will provide some insight in to this important bond and M&O override election. For more information on the election, visit DVUSD.org/election. For previous...
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4: The Kids Are Alright
Dr. Finch meets three DVUSD high school seniors, who are each doing their part to make their community or another community in the world a better place. You'll learn more about these extraordinary students in the latest episode of The 'Supe Scoop! See more episodes at DVUSD.org/SupeScoop.
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3: Are You Ready For Some Football?
Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch catches up with DVUSD's newest football stars... the girls flag football players! While Dr. Finch visited the Mountain Ridge flag football team, and ABC 15 recently featured the O'Connor football team, all five DVUSD high schools will field their inaugural flag...
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2: The New Principles of New Principals
DVUSD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch visits with 4 new-to-DVUSD principals who are leading their schools in the 2023-24 school year. You'll get to know Greenbrier Elementary principal Cindy Mills, Gavilan Peak School principal Kimberley Elms, Sunrise Elementary School principal Tonya Knight, and...
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1: The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Welcome to the first episode of The 'Supe Scoop! DVUSD superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch takes you inside the operations of the district's transportation department. Our bus drivers deliver the most precious cargo, our students, to/from school and extracurricular events. Dr. Finch learns what it...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Go behind the scenes at Deer Valley Unified School District with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch! We'll start with monthly podcasts as we dive deep into the district with the 'Supe Scoop.
HOSTED BY
DVUSD 'Supe Scoop
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The 'Supe Scoop have?
The 'Supe Scoop currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The 'Supe Scoop about?
Go behind the scenes at Deer Valley Unified School District with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch! We'll start with monthly podcasts as we dive deep into the district with the 'Supe Scoop.
How often does The 'Supe Scoop release new episodes?
The 'Supe Scoop has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The 'Supe Scoop?
You can listen to The 'Supe Scoop on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The 'Supe Scoop?
The 'Supe Scoop is created and hosted by DVUSD 'Supe Scoop.
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