RJ Muller is new Cox director of public affairs PAGE
peoriatimes.com
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This Week
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Arizona Coyotes CEO makes history
October 28, 2021
Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper
Parents file complaint against PUSD BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
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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. Accord-
ing 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 Later that afternoon, they rescinded on our agreement and had our daughter do the assignment.” SEE COMPLAINT PAGE 3
‘Best of the West’ honored at State Farm Stadium BY LAUREN SERRATO Peoria Times Staff Writer
FEATURES..... 18 Felecia Wilson wins Battle of the Bartenders
OPINION...................8 BUSINESS...............14 SPORTS...................16 FEATURES...............18 RELIGION................22 YOUTH....................25 CLASSIFIEDS...........28
MARC 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 collaboraKristin Slice accepted the Excellence in Innovation award for Peoria Forward for its partnership between J. Orin tive, but I think that came shining
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 Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU. chief executive officer said. “WEST- (Photo by Matt Young Photography)
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