As Pima looks back with pride at its long history, there is definite excitement about its future.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (October 23, 2009) The year was 1959 – Walt Disney released Sleeping Beauty, Barbie made her debut, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state and Pima Elementary School opened its doors to students in the Old Town Scottsdale neighborhood.

Pima has had many accomplishments over the past 50 years, including earning the highest academic label in the State. For seven consecutive years, Pima has earned the highest designation given to schools by the Arizona Department of Education –"Excelling." Pima is one of the very few Title I schools in the State to earn this label.

Pima faculty and staff hold the intrinsic belief that all students can learn and be successful. Close attention to standardized test scores and regular assessment throughout the school year have been credited for Pima’s impressive record, as well as a "best practices" approach to education that has found unique success.

The school Implemented the Reading Renaissance's Accelerated Reader Program nine years ago and saw both an increase in the amount of independent reading done by each student and higher scores on standardized tests. Its Spalding phonics program used in Kindergarten through third grade, has also proven instrumental for Pima's beginning readers.

Pima’s learning environments include skills group instruction in reading and math and a balance of direct instruction and cooperative learning. Fifth- and sixth-graders follow the middle school concept of working with a team of teachers who provide instruction in core subjects. Successmaker Enterprise (SME) software provides reading and math skill programs on a variety of levels from Kindergarten through eighth grades. Teachers can monitor student progress and access individual learning needs that include re-teaching a skill, reinforcement of daily objectives and enrichment opportunities.

Specialists in vocal music, band, orchestra, art and physical education provide a balanced curriculum, and a recently updated and remodeled campus provides a pleasant environment conducive to learning. A comprehensive media center and two computer labs are among the resources available to students. Pima's dedicated families provide a strong sense of community and involvement. Over the past few years, the Pima PTO has been able to provide various campus improvements, including new playground equipment and shade structures.

Preschool children in Pima's neighborhood can now enroll in the school's Title I Community Schools Pre-school program that promotes early childhood education. Additionally, Pima provides academic support by offering free after school tutoring for students who need it.

January
Jan. 22nd — 50's and 60's Family Sock Hop

Claire, Olivia, Brooke, and Paige at the Sock Hop (photo by Sheri Sekora)

Hey, Pima - Let's go to the Hop!
Celebrating Pima's 50th Anniversary in style, this family event had tons of dancing, group games, a parent dance contest, limbo, amazing door prizes, and much more!! And 50's and 60's style ruled the evening.

February
Feb. 20th — Parada del Sol

February
Feb. 27th — Pima 50th Anniversary Fun Run

• Who: ALL Pima Families, Students, and Staff of ALL AGES!
• What: Pima Fun Run!!!
• Where: Loops through neighborhood and Pima campus up to 3 miles!!!
• When: Saturday, February 27th - Starts at 9:00AM - Ends at 11:00AM
• Why: To celebrate 50 years of Pima Pride!
• How Much: FREE!!! (Souvenir Fun Run T-Shirts are on sale for $5. Last minute registration from 8:00-9:00AM will have T-Shirts on sale for $7 - Get yours NOW!!!)

March
Mar. 27th — Spring Carnival and 50th Anniversary Celebration