🌱 Two SUSD Teachers Under Fire + Yavapai Elementary Reopens

Good morning Scottsdale, we have full newsletter for you today! Hopefully it helps move through the dreariness that often accompanies Wednesday.

And don't forget to let me know what you think of today's newsletter by clicking "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" in the survey at the bottom (if you are on your email) or drop a comment (if you are reading this on Patch.com).

First, today's weather:

Another warm one, but hopefully not in the triple digits. The high is 98 with a low of 73. There also will be a slight breeze throughout the day.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Banner Health makes health care easier in Scottsdale by allowing you to find a doctor online from the comfort of home. Ready to connect with a medical professional? Book an appointment with a Banner Health doctor today!

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. After being closed this past year, Yavapai Elementary School is hosting a Welcome Back Barbecue today for administrators, staff, students and school neighbors. The event is 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 701 N. Miller Road in Scottsdale. Students will put on musical performances, free t-shirts will be handed out, and, of course, there is a barbecue! Yavapai Elementary School is set to reopen for the new school year August 3. (Patch)
2. Two Scottsdale Unified School District teachers are facing backlash for classroom etiquette. Mia Perry of Copper Ridge Elementary School is accused of teaching children about gender identity after requesting students call her Mia, rather than Mr. or Miss Mia. In an unrelated situation, Chaparral High School teacher Richard Langham is accused of delivering sermons to his classes and "proselytizing" to his students. SUSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel has defended both teachers until a full investigation, which is underway in each case, is complete. (Scottsdale Progress)
3. Theresa “T” Lungwitz, a Scottsdale businesswoman, is doing her part to lead the International Board of Jewish National Fund-USA and better serve her community, both in Scottsdale and abroad. She hopes to expand ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, a rehabilitative village in southern Israel. She recently sold her Arizona home and hospice company, Thema Health Services, and currently owns an Arabian horse breeding ranch in Cave Creek. (Jewish News of Greater Phoenix)
4. Austin Timothy Bretz, 21, was arrested at his Scottsdale home on May 16 for allegedly downloading sexually explicit content involving children. Police became involved after a computer repair store owner said his employees found suspicious content on Bretz's computer. After searching his home, police found a flash drive with more explicit content involving minors. A $25,000 Secured Appearance Bond is set for Bretz. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
5. Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and other renowned artists are coming to Old Town. This summer, Lighthouse Artspace is hosting The Immersive Monet and The Impressionists exhibit. The 500,000 cubic feet of space will wrap patrons in the beauty and spontaneity of the Impressionists. The exhibit runs July 29-September 18, and tickets are on sale now. (allaboutarizonanews.com)

From our sponsor:

Hey, Scottsdale — need something done in your home? Check out our new Local Businesses feature in Scottsdale to find top-rated local pros for gardening, plumbing, house cleaning and so much more!

Today in Scottsdale:

• Wine Up Wednesday @ Terroir Wine Pub (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
• Yavapai Elementary School: Welcome Back Barbecue (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
• Book Club at the Arizona Persian Cultural Center (7:00 PM)
• Arizona Pinnacle Circuit: WestWorld (All Day)

Scottsdale in photos: Thank you to Scottsdale Daily reader Robert Fishman for this amazing submission!

From my notebook:

• Two estates in Scottsdale’s Silverleaf community are on the market with record breaking prices. For most of us, the prices points are unrealistic — but it never hurts to look! A 13,617-square-foot home known as "The Aerie" is priced at $28 million, while a slightly smaller home sits at $24.22 million. Both homes, if sold, will beat out the current record holder for most expensive home sale in Arizona history, which is $24.1 million. (KTAR.com)
• City staff and Mayor Ortega had a great time showcasing the work of various city departments at the Coronado High School SUSD Career Fair! What better way to wrap up the school year than catching a glimpse at some of the many ways Scottsdale students can serve their community, now and in the future? (City of Scottsdale, Facebook)
• Gas prices hit a record high last week, and the City of Scottsdale has tips on ways to save on fuel costs. The Scottsdale Trolley offers a 20-minute ride frequency to shopping, dining, entertainment and more. Plus, it’s free to ride! (City of Scottsdale, Facebook)
• Do you have an interest in supporting your community by providing care for children in need? Contact the Social Services Foster Care Licensing Team to learn more about becoming a foster parent! Classes begin July 6th, 2022. (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Facebook)
• Yesterday, O'odham Action News captured the banner signing and ribbon tying event, the Employee Healing & Memorial Tribute, in remembrance of 16 SRPMIC employees who passed away in the last couple of years due to COVID-19 and other causes. (O'odham Action News, Facebook)
• The 36th Annual Sterling Awards are accepting applications! Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of Scottsdale's premier business awards. The application deadline is Friday, July 29. (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, Facebook)
• Looking for something fun and free to do with the family this weekend? Head on over to Eldorado Aquatic Center this Saturday May 21st for the Dive In Movie with a special showing of Encanto. (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation, Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 19)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• DESIGN CONTEST: Arizona’s Favorite Spokes-cow to get 100th Anniversary Makeover (Details)
• Add your announcement

Gigs & services:

• Get Paid to Test New Technology ($60 for 1.5 hour of work) (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Madison Feser

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Daily? Contact me at madison.feser@patch.com