Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Jaymie Smoot, MUSD Alumna and Coyote Trail Teacher
Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Jaymie Smoot, MUSD Alumna and Coyote Trail Teacher
Jaymie Smoot, Coyote Trail Elementary Teacher
- Degrazia Elementary: 1991-1998
- Tortolita Middle School: 1998-2000
- Mountain View High School: Class of 2004
I’ve been part of the Marana Unified School District for most of my life. I attended DeGrazia Elementary from 1991 to 1998, Tortolita Middle School from 1998 to 2000, and Mountain View High School from 2000 to 2004. What began as my own journey as a student has turned into a lifelong career in the district I call home. After graduating, I worked as LEAP staff from 2004 to 2010, and in 2010 I began teaching at Coyote Trail Elementary, where I’m still lucky enough to be today.
When I think back on my years in MUSD, there are so many memories that stand out. At DeGrazia, I’ll never forget Mr. Perry kissing a pig, or the pride I felt when I won Mr. Mill’s Breakfast Story challenge. At Tortolita Middle School, my seventh-grade girls basketball team went undefeated, a moment that still makes me smile. High school at Mountain View was filled with marching band, musicals, and unforgettable experiences, one of the most vivid being watching the events of September 11 unfold in every class that day. Later, during my years with LEAP, I had the opportunity to work at nearly every school in the district and get to know countless students, many of whom have grown into wonderful adults. Today at Coyote Trail, one of my favorite parts of each day is getting to work alongside my best friend, Mrs. Knutson.
Some of the teachers who influenced me most were Mrs. Stewart in second grade, Mr. Moore in sixth grade, Mrs. Morrill in sophomore and senior English, and Mrs. Kirkbride in high school band. Each of them played a role in shaping who I am and inspired me to become the best teacher I can be. The most influential people in my MUSD journey, though, were my parents, Kris and Gary Smoot. As longtime Marana teachers, they raised me to be the best version of myself, both inside and outside the classroom.
One lesson that has stayed with me came during my senior year, when I was struggling and Mrs. Ellen Kirkbride reminded me, “Don’t forget to be a kid.” It’s a message I still carry with me and try to pass on to my students.
Band was a huge part of my school experience, marching band, jazz band, and concert band. While those programs still exist today, it feels like they aren’t funded as much and there’s less interest in playing an instrument than there once was. I also remember special traditions, like spending Fridays at Peter Piper Pizza after football games.
MUSD prepared me for life after graduation in every way. I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was in second grade, and every experience I had in Marana Schools helped guide me toward that goal. One of the biggest differences I notice today is how packed the school day feels. We spent plenty of time reading, but we also had long recesses, art, and hands-on learning. I don’t remember my teachers’ schedules being nearly as full as mine is now.
Marana has definitely changed over the years, with less desert and more houses, but one thing that hasn’t changed is how much people care about one another. That sense of community is what makes MUSD so special.
I like to think I might be the first person to earn a 50-year pin someday. It’s a big goal, but if there’s one place I can see myself staying that long, it’s Marana Schools.
*Information submitted by Jaymie Smoot and written by MUSD Office of Public Relations.
SHARE YOUR STORY
As we count down to Marana Schools 100-Year Celebration on April 25, we invite alumni, teachers, and staff from over the years to share their stories! Published by the MUSD Office of Public Relations, you’ll have the opportunity to be highlighted as we celebrate a century of memories, milestones, and impact.
About Marana Schools 100-Year Centennial Celebration
The Marana Unified School District is proud to celebrate 100 Years of Marana Schools and excellence in education! Join us for an unforgettable community celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, honoring a century of learning, educational achievements and milestones, and the wonderful Marana community spirit! We have a daytime free family and community event at Marana High School and an adults-only ticketed dinner at Marana Pumpkin Patch. You won't want to miss out!