SMSA Booster Club Newsletter | FEB 2026 - Volume 22

"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

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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.

​Program & Academic Highlights

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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

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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.
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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.

  Booster Planning & Support

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​• 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:

​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