Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
July 2012
July 2012, page 4

Page 4 July 2012 SUSD raises academic bar for students with new rule By Dale Messmer The governing board of the Scottsdale Uni fi ed School District is to be commended for its new requirement that students attend a study-support program if their GPA falls below 2.0, even if the policy change came in the dead of summer. Born out of a look at the “no pass, no play” policy for after-school activities, the board voted at a June meeting to apply the new standard to all junior high and high school students. As reported on arcadiadaily.com by Milton Herman, SUSD superintendent Dr. David Peterson said, “We’re taking a standard and raising it up and making people come to that.” An absolutely admirable goal. But why June? Why not spring the new rule in, say, the spring, when there is then a summer to get ready for the rami fi cations? The vote was 4-0, with board president Bonnie Sneed abstaining. She acknowledged the potential that SUSD parents and students may not be fond of the summer decision when she said, “With the calls I’ve gotten, I think there are going to be some people that are really surprised with this change, right or wrong.” The devil will be in the details as we delve into a new school year six or so weeks from now. With suf fi cient resources and parental cooperation (always a key to making a school program function properly), SUSD students can only bene fi t from higher academic standards. If you haven’t already done so, stop by arcadiadaily.com and look at both the sports and the news stories about the policy change. You’ll fi nd that, like the board, support is near unanimous throughout the district. Whatever you’re drinking this Fourth of July, raise your glass to the governing board for their effort. Pass or fail, they’ve taken a bold step to make district schools better for all students. Bold is often good. Dr. Andi Fourlis, the assistant superintendent who made the presentation of the idea to the board, said, “This will change the culture in our schools.” What do you think? Drop me an email (editor@arcadianews.com) and share. Brie fl y, please, and sign your name and give a phone number for veri fi cation purposes. We’ll publish a sampling next month if we get response and will withhold names if asked. Thanks for reading the Arcadia News . $ 10 off *Not valid with any other coupon, sales or negotiated markdowns. 1 coupon per customer, per visit. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Coupon expires CONSIGN AND BUY FROM A LOCALLY OWNED CONSIGNMENT STORE We specialize in upscale consignment furniture and decor that suits any taste. From modern to Asian to rustic, sofas, chairs and wall decor. Looking to sell SLHFHVWKDWGRQ·WÀ W\RXUQHZKRPHDQGVW\OH" Why not consign them here! It’s time to discover N Acoma Thunderbird Scottsdale N Thomas Rd. 68th St. THUNDERBIRD SQUARE NORTH 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-664-0580 NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN! 2728 N. 68th St. 480-874-5813 Scottsdale Design Center 68 your purchase of $ 35 or more Bring this ad in and receive WE MAKE IT SIMPLE TO SELL AND EASY TO SHOP switchconsignment.com 0RQ6DWDPSP‡6XQDPSP 6/30/12. Nationally recognized as one of the Top Shops in the Nation. Nationally recognized as one of the Top Shops in the Nation. Conveniently Located in the Arcadia Neighborhood. Save up to on your next visit Save $ 10 .......................when you spend $ 50- $ 149 Save $ 15 ....................when you spend $ 150- $ 199 Save $ 20 ....................when you spend $ 200- $ 249 Save $ 25 ....................when you spend $ 250- $ 499 Save $ 50 ................when you spend $ 500 or more $ 50 ,?709,: With coupon only. May not be combined with any other offer. Air Conditioning Special ,?709,: Most cars & light trucks. With coupon only. May not be combined with any other offer. Refrigerant and leak dye extra if needed. Includes • Electronic Leak Test • Check System Pressure • Visually Inspect Air Conditioning Hoses and Components $ 39 95 I.S.A . CERTIFIED ARBORISTS ON STAFF & CREWS Fully Insured / Licensed / Bonded Contractor - ROC # 251150 480-820-3939 Call for a Free Consultation Serving the Valley for over 25 years! Serving the Valley for over 25 years! Professional Pruning Root Zone Fertilization Insect & Disease Management Hazard Tree Evaluations & Removals Root – Rx Program Aerial Lift Technical Support by our Research Laboratories Cabling & Bracing Time to prepare your trees for the upcoming MONSOON storm season

Jonie Alden ~ Senior Escrow Officer Susie Danesi ~ Business Development For an easy search of all properties for sale in Arcadia, visit www.ArcadiaCamelbackHomes.com Our comprehensive 23-Step Marketing System positions your home at its best while attracting maximum buyer interest. Upon listing your home, we guarantee unmatched service from the beginning through closing the sale. We live in the Arcadia neighborhood. We know what’s happening in the market. And we know how to bring buyers and sellers together. When you’re ready to sell your home or make a purchase, give us a call. Steve & Inge Oliverio 602.369.1028 is what we do best! Selling Homes Fast At The Right Price New to the Market! 3841 E. Elm Street – 4 Bedrooms 4 Baths, approx 3,000 sf. Fabulous condition on Gorgeous Street! Work shop, 2 car garage, Media Room/Game room, Wood floors, granite counters, split master bedroom, Lush backyard with spool. Offered at $770,000 4115 E. Mitchell Drive – 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, approx 2100 sf. Really nice Arcadia home in move-in condition! Tile flooring and new roof and A/C. Granite Counters among other upgrades. Offered at $354,000 4911 E. Calle Ventura Sold for $875,000 FPO SOLD