🌱 'Catch A Ride Backpack Drive' + New SUSD 'Away For The Day' Policy

Hello neighbors! It's Megan Moreno, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening in town these days. In today's issue, you'll find:

• Donate a backpack and ride in an SPD vehicle.
• SUSD new policy and tracking app.
• Fire at Will named top restaurant.

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But first, your local weather: Expect sunshine and warmth, with a high of 104 and low of 79.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Save the date for a unique event benefiting a good cause! The "Catch A Ride Backpack Drive" is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22 between 3-7 p.m. at the McKellips District Station parking lot, 7601 E. McKellips Road. If you donate a new backpack, Scottsdale Police Department will take you on a short ride in a police car! Riders must be age 12 or older, but there will be fun photo opportunities for kids 11 and under. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
2. Scottsdale Unified School District has implemented an "Away for the Day" policy that requires Pre-K through 8th grade students to put their smartwatches and cellphones away during school hours. The goal of the policy is to minimize distractions and decrease bullying. SUSD also implemented a new app called "Stopfinder" that allows parents to track their children on their school bus ride. The app is tied to students' district-issued identification cards, which are scanned when they get on the bus. (KTAR.com)
3. Speaking of SUSD, the district received almost $100,000 in donations. At the Aug. 8 meeting, the SUSD governing board accepted "$81,310 in cash and $17,697 in in-kind donations." Congrats SUSD! (Subscription: Daily Independent)
4. Fire at Will, a restaurant that opened in Scottsdale last November, was just named one of the best restaurants of 2023. The restaurant is located at 4912 E. Shea Blvd., and you can check out the unique menu here. (Fox 10 Phoenix)

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Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Saturday, August 12

• Sour & Sweet Beer Fest at The Clayton House, 3719 North 75th St. Purchase tickets online. (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
• Witness the Perseid Meteor Shower with Live Music by Brian Kabala at CIELO Restaurant at Adero Scottsdale, 13255 N. Eagle Ridge Dr. Look through "high-definition telescopes with local astronomers 'Star Dudes' to capture the meteor shower in all its glory." Reserve your table online. (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Family Fun Movie Night at the Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939. N. Drinkwater Blvd. (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Put it on your calendar now! " 20th Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo this Oct. 21-22 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "National Stop on Red Week, Aug. 6-12, serves as an important reminder of the dangers we face on our roads and the responsibility we all hold to Stop on Red. Between 2008 and 2021, an estimated 11,296 people were killed in crashes related to red-light running." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "We're counting down the days until the #ParksandRecRewind 80s Night! Don't miss this free event at Scottsdale Civic Center on Sept. 2 from 6 - 9 p.m. featuring live music, food, arcade games, vintage market, cocktail garden and more." (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• "Scottsdale Water is seeking water treatment operators... Learn more and apply at GovernmentJobs.com/careers/scottsdaleaz/jobs/4019710/water-treatment-plant-operator-ii?keywords=water%20operator&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "When you don't miss the flooding, but you do miss the rain. Indian Bend Wash flood, August 1983. Visit scottsdalelibrary.org/historical for more rainy day memories." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
• "Our #ChooseScottsdale featured job of the week is courtesy of Workiva. They are looking for a HR Business Partner to work with assigned internal client groups to understand short-term and long-term business goals and to develop and deliver talent management programs and solutions in support of them. https://bit.ly/47mR3b0" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you tomorrow.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@outlook.com