Glendale’s Community Newspaper
Vol. 77 No. 44
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Parents file complaint against PUSD BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Glendale Star Executive Editor
FEATURES .... 18 Violinist Bruce Kirkwood releases EP ‘Valley Vibes’
October 28, 2021
Shawn and Amy Souza are frustrated with the Peoria Unified School District and Sunset Heights Elementary School. The parents of 10- and 13-year-old children, the couple are unhappy with the district’s curriculum. They said district officials agreed to change what they call “violent” lesson plans; however, they reneged on it. “We became aware of a lot of racial and political things going on in our daughter’s seventh grade social studies class,” Amy said. “We wanted to review the lesson plans ahead of time. It was a nightmare to get it. We tried the teacher, principal, curriculum
department and the superintendent.” The Souzas were given a “long list” of links from which the teacher could choose. They saw an assignment that was “really gruesome and inappropriate” about the way children were treated during the industrial revolution. According to the Souzas, the lesson plan involved children slaughtering animals and the kids’ ears falling off. “We exercised the right to opt the kids out through email,” she said. “We received a confirmation through email that our daughter would receive a separate assignment and a place to do it. Later that afternoon, they rescinded on our agreement and had our daughter do the assignment.” Shawn added, “It was violent, and we SEE COMPLAINT PAGE 6
Shawn and Amy Souza called their daughter’s assignment to explore the industrial revolution and the way children were treated as “gruesome.” (Photo courtesy of the Souzas)
‘Best of the West’ honored at State Farm Stadium BY LAUREN SERRATO Glendale Star Staff Writer
YOUTH .......... 24 Helpful tips for safe trick-ortreating on Halloween
OPINION..................... 12 SPORTS ...................... 16 FEATURES.................. 18 RELIGION ................... 22 YOUTH........................ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............. 25
Considered the Oscars of the West Valley, the Best of the West awards dinner honored the area’s top leaders, investments and programs on Oct. 21 at State Farm Stadium. WESTMARC recognized finalists in the categories of Economic Engine, Excellence in Innovation, Quality of Life Enhancement in the Community, and Quality of Life Enhancement in Education. “The Best of the West Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the image, lifestyle and economy in the West Valley,”
said Sintra Hoffman, WESTMARC president and chief executive officer. “WESTMARC is proud to honor these outstanding individuals and organizations making a great impact in the West Valley.” Hoffman acknowledged all nominees and those in attendance for their efforts, especially during the pandemic. “We all know that last year was a really rough year for many of us, but I think you’ll agree that Arizona, and specifically the West Valley, came out much stronger than before,” Hoffman said. “During the pandemic, we certainly galvanized. We have been a community that
is very collaborative, but I think that came shining through this last year.”
Economic Engine
The magic-themed evening kicked off the presentation with the Economic Engine award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, businesses, facilities or programs that have created a significant economic outcome and jobs for the West Valley. FLITE Goodyear Industrial was this year’s recipient for revitalizing and modernizing 196,823 square feet of office
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