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SMSA Booster Club Newsletter |  MAY 2026 - Volume 23

5/7/2026

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"Your best champion and cheerleader is yourself. Always be proud of your
accomplishments, big or small.
" — Ayanna Howard, Roboticist

Welcome to the 23rd edition of the Saguaro MSA Booster Club Newsletter!

Dear MSA Parents,

Celebrating Ms. Susan Lindberg – With Deep Gratitude
It is with heartfelt gratitude that we share the news of Ms. Susan Lindberg’s retirement from the Scottsdale Math & Science Academy at Saguaro High School.
For over three decades, Ms. Lindberg has been a cornerstone of the MSA program—serving not only as a dedicated educator in science, engineering, and biotechnology, but also as a passionate coordinator and mentor to countless students. Her commitment has gone far beyond the classroom. She has consistently given her time, energy, and care well beyond what was ever asked of her.
Ms. Lindberg has played an instrumental role in shaping the MSA community into what
it is today. Her guidance, leadership, and unwavering support have impacted generations of students and families, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to
inspire.
We are deeply thankful for her years of service, her generosity of spirit, and her extraordinary dedication. While she will be greatly missed, we wish her all the very best in this next chapter.

Graduation Support Request
We kindly ask for your support in encouraging your student to sign up and help with the
upcoming graduation ceremony on May 13. We also invite families to contribute toward
the costs of the event. Sign-up and details are available here.
Graduation is a meaningful milestone, and we are proud of our students’ hard work and ​accomplishments. Thank you for your continued support of the MSA program.

Call for MSA Parent Booster Board Participation (2026–27)
The Math & Science Academy (MSA) thrives because of the involvement and support of our parent community. The MSA Parent Booster (PTO) plays a vital role in enriching student experiences, supporting programs, and building a strong school network. As we prepare for the 2026–27 school year, we invite interested parents to step forward and participate by joining the MSA Parent Booster Board. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your ideas, collaborate with other parents, and directly support our students’ academic journey.
Board elections will be held during the first month of the upcoming school year. We encourage you to consider enrolling as a candidate and becoming an active part of this supportive community.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Sara Uribe, President, and
Shanda Carrithers, Past President, for their dedicated service, time, and effort over the years. Their commitment has made a lasting impact on the MSA community, and we truly appreciate their contributions. Your time and involvement can make a lasting impact. For questions or to express interest, please contact us at [email protected].

Warm regards,
MSA Parent Booster Team


Some rushes of the events of the year
1. The Math & Science Academy Families volunteered at the Hot Chocolate Run on December 6th and 7th at the Phoenix Convention Center to raise funds.

2.MSA Sponsered Saguaro Staff Lunch (Sorry, we got very few clicks :), be assured all teachers were well fed and enjoyed the food )

3. Fundraiser - Mesa Community College Planetarium

Recent Events & Programs
May 12 Robotics Awards 2026 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Innovation Center
May 13 MSA Awards 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Innovation Center and Quad
May 21 Saguaro Graduation 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM

Event Updates
● Resume Building Workshop - We were pleased to host guest speaker Sheila Williams (City of Scottsdale Career Services & Rotarian) on Tuesday, April 28 at the Innovation Center. Pizza was generously provided by the MSA Boosters.

● Robotics (FRC) - The team attended the NAU Regional; however, the robot experienced technical issues and was not fully functional. Unfortunately, the team was unable to attend the Las Vegas Regional due to high transportation costs.

● Melody Makers – Pima Visit - Ms. Lindberg attended the visit with students. A new lesson was presented by Claire Filipowicz and her team. To keep these programs thriving, we’re inviting parents who own or operate businesses to join us as official MSA Sponsors. A $500 sponsorship for the 2025–26 school year directly supports student events, including cohort meet-and-greets, PSAT prep, MSA Club activities, Math and Finals Study Sessions, CyberPatriot, Math Club competitions, Sisters in STEM, and graduation ceremonies. Your contribution has an immediate, visible impact.
Sponsors receive:
● A “Thank You” feature on the MSA website
● A spotlight on MSA social media
● Recognition in every monthly parent newsletter
This is a meaningful way to support our students—and showcase your business to an
engaged, supportive school community.
To become an MSA Sponsor, please contact the Boosters at [email protected]

​Where do your donations go???
Your generous contributions make a direct impact on our students, teachers, and the
MSA community! Here’s a look at how PTO Booster funds are put to good use:
Student Enrichment & Academic Support
  • Math League Membership – $100
  • AMC Math Competition (Pizza) – $150
  • Calculators for Math Class – $350
  • Mu Alpha Theta – $100
  • Innovation Center Supplies – $50
  • 3D Printer – $1,500
Student Events & Activities
  • SIS T-Shirts – $2,500
  • MSA Club Social Events – $200
  • CyberCamp – $5,500
  • Week of Meet and Greets – $500
  • FRC T-Shirts – $1,000
Celebrations & Milestones 
  • MSA Graduation Ceremony – $750
  • Mu Alpha Theta Celebration (Cake)
Teacher & Campus Support
  • Teacher Appreciation Meals – $500
  • Air Purifiers for Classrooms

Thank you for supporting our programs—every dollar truly counts! We aim to raise funds to support our growing program. If every family contributes just $25-$50, we can achieve our goals and enhance opportunities for our students, staff, and the Saguaro community! All donations are appreciated! MSA Boosters is a registered 501(c)(3), and we’ll provide a receipt for your records. Please include your name, the donation amount, and your address.

Ways to Donate:
● Zelle: [email protected]
● PayPal: Search Saguaro Math and Science Academy Boosters
● Check: Payable to "Saguaro MSA Boosters". Mail to: MSA Boosters, 6250 N
82nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
● Passive donations - Fry's: Log into your Fry's account and select Saguaro MSA
as a Community Rewards designation. Fry's/Kroger will mail a check every
quarter to MSA. All donations are 100% utilized for MSA students, MSA
teachers, and MSA events.
Tax credit
Arizona law allows taxpayers to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers for contributions made to SUSD schools! You can claim the tax credit when filing your Arizona State Income Tax returns if you donate before April 15 of the following year.
Click here to find more information about AZ Tax Credits.
Click here to make an online donation, where you can indicate the school, specific program (MSA - T861), and the name of the student you’d like to support, or the funds can go to the general fund. Friends and neighbors can receive the same tax credit if they donate as well - so please spread the word!
Social Media Links
MSA Booster Volunteer Registration Saguaro MSA

Email - [email protected]
Website - Saguaro MSA
Saguaro MSA Calendar
MSA Booster Website 
MSA Booster Facebook Group
Instagram Handle saguaromsabooster
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SMSA Booster Club Newsletter |  FEB 2026 - Volume 22

2/18/2026

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"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." — Jane Goodall, Primatologist. 
Welcome to the 22nd edition of the Saguaro MSA Booster Club Newsletter!
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​Dear Parents, it’s time of the year to renew SMSA membership

Our programs rely on the annual support of our families. If you have not yet contributed to the SMSA membership fund (suggested $25 per family), please consider doing so now. Your contribution directly supports opportunities for our students and staff, and every family’s participation makes a difference. Thank you for helping strengthen our community.
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​Program & Academic Highlights

Cohort Teacher Lunch – Recently held and funded by MSA to support collaboration and planning.
• Program Updates – Changes to ELA and field experience requirements are in progress. Current students are grandfathered under existing requirements; new students will follow updated guidelines.
• Senior Poster Sessions – February 11 & 18. Posters due March 10.
• Mu Alpha Theta – Algebra 1 support sessions are showing measurable student improvement and will continue through upcoming assessments.
• VEX Robotics – Competition at Desert Ridge on February 14.
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​Upcoming Academic & Robotics Dates

Friday, February 27th,  06:30 pm  Join us for an MSA Night at the Mesa Community College Planetarium. Enjoy Oregano’s pizza, a planetarium show under the dome, Q & A with the coordinator, and weather permitting views of Jupiter, Mars, Orion, & the Nebul.  All benefiting our out‑of‑this‑world Math & Science Academy. 
By Feb 17th       Ticket per person - $30  for group of 4 or $100 
After Feb 17th   Ticket per person - $35  for group of 4 or $120 (If available)
Space is limited to 50 guests, so please reserve early via SignUpGenius and pay by Zelle/PayPal at [email protected] or by cash/check.
​

Feb 21st 2026 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM STEM Teams Open IC 
Feb 21st 2026 8th Grade Mohave Walkthrough 
Apr 18th 2026 • STEAM Showcase
*Funds needed for senior poster printing and graduation celebration.
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  Booster Planning & Support

​• Faculty Lunch (March 3) – Supporting Cognia certification collaboration.
• Movie Night Fundraiser – Tentatively planned for May (Star Wars–themed, PG-rated).
• MSA Graduation – Volunteers needed for set-up and clean-up. Service hours available for students.
Fundraising & Support Opportunities
​• Updated Arizona Tax Credit information will be shared soon.

• A Google Form listing current MSA funding needs will be distributed.
• Potential new fundraiser partnership with a local business near Scottsdale & Thomas
As proud members of the Math & Science Academy (MSA) community, you know the incredible opportunities our students experience—advanced coursework, hands-on projects, and academic competitions that inspire innovation and leadership.
To keep these programs thriving, we’re inviting parents who own or operate businesses to join us as official MSA Sponsors. A $500 sponsorship for the 2025–26 school year directly supports student events, including cohort meet-and-greets, PSAT prep, MSA Club activities, Math and Finals Study Sessions, CyberPatriot, Math Club competitions, Sisters in STEM, and graduation ceremonies. Your contribution has an immediate, visible impact. 
Sponsors receive:
  • A “Thank You” feature on the MSA website
  • A spotlight on MSA social media
  • Recognition in every monthly parent newsletter
This is a meaningful way to support our students—and showcase your business to an engaged, supportive school community. To become an MSA Sponsor, please contact the Boosters at [email protected]
Where do your donations go??? 
Your generous contributions make a direct impact on our students, teachers, and the MSA community! Here’s a look at how PTO Booster funds are put to good use:
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​Thank you for supporting our programs--every dollar truly counts! We aim to raise funds to support our growing program. If every family contributes just $25-$50, we can achieve our goals and enhance opportunities for our students, staff, and the Saguaro community!  

All donations are appreciated! MSA Boosters is a registered 501(c)(3), and we’ll provide a receipt for your records. Please include your name, the donation amount, and your address.
Ways to Donate: 
      ● Zelle: [email protected] 
 ● PayPal: Search Saguaro Math and Science Academy Boosters 
 ● Check: Payable to "Saguaro MSA Boosters". Mail to: MSA Boosters, 6250 N 82nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 
 ● Passive donations - Fry's: Log into your Fry's account and select Saguaro MSA as a Community Rewards designation. Fry's/Kroger will mail a check every quarter to MSA. All donations are 100% utilized for MSA students, MSA teachers, and MSA events. ​
​Tax credit 
Arizona law allows taxpayers to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers for contributions made to SUSD schools! You can claim the tax credit when filing your Arizona State Income Tax returns if you donate before April 15 of the following year. Click here to find more information about AZ Tax Credits. Click here to make an online donation, where you can indicate the school, specific program (MSA - T861), and the name of the student you’d like to support, or the funds can go to the general fund. Friends and neighbors can receive the same tax credit if they donate as well - so please spread the word!
Contact & Social Links 
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Jan 2026 - Volume 21

1/26/2026

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Jan 2026 - Volume 20

1/26/2026

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AUG 2025

1/21/2026

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May 2025

1/21/2026

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Newsletter Jan 2025

1/14/2025

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SMSA Booster Club  Newsletter | Vol 16 – January 2025 
I became an astronomer because I could not imagine living on Earth and not trying to understand how the Universe works. ~ Vera Rubin, Astronomer
Welcome everyone to the Saguaro MSA Booster Club’s 16th newsletter.

Updates
  • Study sessions for finals
    • Approximately 60 students showed up for Finals 101 on Monday 
    • Another study session was held on16th December; snacks provided
  • Student Gingerbread House building: Dec 17 at lunch; material provided.
  • Robotics Workshops: Jan 4
    • FRC Kickoff at Saguaro for all AZ teams in the state coming up
    • First Lego League: held on Dec 7 at Saguaro
    • Saguaro students ran it and served as judges; This event is growing each year
  • Sisters in Stem: 19th December Fiona and Riley are presenting to AZ State Superintendent Conference at JW Marriott

Upcoming Events 
01.30.25  Saguaro 8th grade Open House  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
01.30.25  Math and Science Academy Open House 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
02.12.25 MSA Parent Board Meeting  6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
02.15.25  VEX Desert Ridge Qualifier full day 
02.22.25 Northern Regional Science Olympiad  05:30 PM - 6:30 PM
03-10-25 to 03-15-25 Spring Break
03-12-15 to 03-15-25  FRC Northern Regional  4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Coconino High School Flagstaff
03-19-15 to 03-22-25FRC East Valley Regional  4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Corona Del Sol High School

FUNDRAISER - “MSA Under the stars!!!” 
 Be on the lookout for details!!!

Tax credit 
Arizona law allows taxpayers to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers for contributions made to SUSD schools! You can claim the tax credit when filing your Arizona State Income Tax returns if you donate before April 15 of the following year. Click here to find more information about AZ Tax Credits. Click here to make an online donation, where you can indicate the school, specific program (MSA - T861), and the name of the student you’d like to support, or the funds can go to the general fund. Friends and neighbors can receive the same tax credit if they donate as well - so please spread the word! 

MSA Booster Board Members 
● Shanda Carrithers and Melanie Abts as Co-Presidents 
● Swati Ghorpade as Vice President 
● Sara Uribe as Treasurer 
● Alix Wilson and Jackie Bartoletti as Co-Secretaries 
● Candice Gimbel and Shelly Jin as Parental Reps
MSA Fundraising Report 
Thanks to the generosity of our MSA families, we aim to raise funds to support our growing program. If every family contributes just $25-$50, we can achieve our goals and enhance opportunities for our students, staff, and the Saguaro community! 
**Membership Dues and Donations:** All donations are appreciated! MSA Boosters is a registered 501(c)(3), and we’ll provide a receipt for your records.
Please include your name, the donation amount, and your address. Ways to Donate: ● Zelle: [email protected] 
● PayPal: Search Saguaro Math and Science Academy Boosters 
● Check: Payable to "Saguaro MSA Boosters". Mail to: MSA Boosters, 6250 N 82nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 
● Passive donations - Fry's: Log into your Fry's account and select Saguaro MSA as a Community Rewards designation. Fry's/Kroger will mail a check every quarter to MSA. All donations are 100% utilized for MSA students, MSA teachers, and MSA events. 
John Wilson, Alexander Slaughter,  Thank you so much for your generosity!

Contact 
Email - [email protected]

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Scottsdale Math & Science Academy Booster Club
at Saguaro High School | Innovation Center
6250 North 82nd Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
[email protected]
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