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- 🎓 GPA Cap in Clark County: How the Class of 2025 is Navigating the New Academic Rules
🎓 GPA Cap in Clark County: How the Class of 2025 is Navigating the New Academic Rules
Issue #247 - August 10, 2024
John Wu
10 Aug
Dear SummerSouth Insiders!
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📆 Weekly Local Events for August 2024
Regular weekly events in or near Summerlin, Las Vegas are listed below.
Visit here to lookup specific venue information or for upcoming and/or non-weekly events on Meetup.
Monday
Monday Classes At Latin Blendz: (Every week on Monday @ 10AM)
Socially Vegas - Monday Night Bowling @ The Orleans Bowling Center: Must arrive/check-in before 7pm; 7 - 10pm (Every week on Monday); COST (CASH Only) $10 for 2 games (includes shoes) COST: $12 for 3 games (includes shoes)
Monday Night TRIVIA at ReBAR, 1225 S Main St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Monday @ 7PM)
Tuesday
Terrific Tuesday Fun Pickleball @ Police Memorial, Bring a Chair: (Every week on Tuesday @ 2PM)
Sand Volleyball Intermediate, Rusty and Old Time Players @ Aloha Shores Park (NW), Cheyenne & Buffalo, 7550 Sauer St, Las Vegas: (Every week on Tuesday @ 6 - 8 PM)
Run Drink Las Vegas - Weekly Tuesday Run @ Frankie’s Uptown patio: 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Tuesday), FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rundrinklv FOR THE LATEST WEATHER/TIMING UPDATES
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Wednesday
Business Leads Group - Networking Breakfast @ Summit Restaurant, Eagle Crest Golf Course, 2215 Thomas W Ryan Blvd, Las Vegas: Cost $20 cash, 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Early Risers Toastmasters Meeting (In-Person - Summerlin Egg Works / Online Event: 7 - 8 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Wednesday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Wednesday)
Speakers & Leaders of Summerlin Toastmasters Meeting, Summerlin Egg Works, 2025 Village Center Cir, Las Vegas: 12 - 1:30 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Live Music Yoga w/ Cheryl Slader @ Blue Sky Yoga: (Suggested Donation $12); 5:30 - 6:45 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Country Crossroads Dance, Rhythms Dance Studio & Event Center, 4545 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas: $15 Drop-in Rate / $50 for the whole month: 8 - 9 PM (Every week on Wednesday)
Thursday
Abundance Business Networking Group Online Event: 7 - 8:30 AM (Every week on Thursday). Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for networking. Steps to access our BNI Online™ Virtual Chapter Meeting, visit website.
Las Vegas Real Estate Investors Association - Weekly Power Lunch For Real Estate Investors: 11 AM - 1 PM (Every week on Thursday). Request to join here.
Free Salsa Classes @ Feel The Music Dance Studio: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Thursday). Visit the website to register online.
Summerlin Bitcoin Happy Hour, SG Bar, 9580 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas: 6:30 PM (Every week on Thursday)
Coed Soccer - Summerlin: Crossings Park, 1111 Crestdale Ln, Las Vegas: 7:30 - 9:45 PM (Every week on Tuesday/Thursday)
Friday
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Flow & Yin W / Noé Hilyard @ Yoga Sanctuary: 6 - 7:15 PM (Every week on Friday) View Yoga Sanctuary's full schedule.
Swing Dancing in Las Vegas Vintage and Modern Swing Dances @ The Mint Tavern: 7:30 - 8:30 PM (Every week on Friday)
Saturday
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Find Your Yoga Las Vegas - Saturday Morning Meditation with Practitioner Selina Kelly @ Yoga Kandy, LLC. Cost: Love Donation $5-$10 suggested. 11 - 11:45 AM (Every week on Saturday)
Sunday
Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club - Sunday Morning Ride @ Einstein Bagels: 9 - 11:30 AM (Every week on Sunday)
Vino Las Vegas Wine & Yacht Club Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday)
Level 1 West Coast Swing @ 2580 N Rancho Dr, North Las Vegas: 7 - 8 PM (Every week on Tuesday); Drop in Rate is $15, Monthly pass is $50; Register online.
⛽ Las Vegas Gas Prices
🎓 GPA Cap in Clark County: How the Class of 2025 is Navigating the New Academic Rules
s the Clark County School District (CCSD) prepares to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2025, a significant change in academic policy is coming into sharper focus. In addition to receiving their traditional graduation caps in May, students will also face a cap on their grade point averages (GPAs), limiting the maximum possible GPA to 4.95. This policy, which was first implemented for the class of 2024, aims to address concerns about over-competitiveness and equitable access to advanced courses.
Understanding the GPA Cap
The GPA cap is a measure designed to prevent students' GPAs from exceeding a set numerical value, in this case, 4.95. The cap was introduced to ensure that students across the district have equitable opportunities to achieve high academic honors, such as valedictorian, without being disadvantaged by the lack of access to advanced coursework, which can be costly in terms of time, money, and resources.
The decision to implement the cap was made by the CCSD Board of Trustees in July 2022, following a vote that passed 6-0. Initially, the cap was scheduled to take effect with the class of 2024, but after hearing concerns from students, Trustee Lola Brooks proposed a compromise to delay the cap's implementation until the class of 2025. This compromise was intended to allow students who had already been working towards higher GPAs under the previous system to finish their high school careers without being affected by the new policy.
Student Reactions: Valedictorian Speaks Out
Kristine Mae Bongolan, a 17-year-old senior at Bonanza High School, is one of the students directly impacted by the GPA cap. As her class’s valedictorian, Bongolan has excelled in advanced placement (AP) courses and has worked hard to achieve a GPA that would have surpassed 5.0 if not for the cap. She expressed frustration and disappointment that her GPA will remain at 4.95, despite her efforts.
“The valedictorian spot, in my eyes, it’s supposed to be a special spot,” Bongolan said. “When you reinstate the GPA cap to give, maybe, [a] salutatorian a chance to have the same GPA as me, it doesn’t feel as if the valedictorian spot is special anymore.”
Bongolan acknowledged that while she was initially angry and in disbelief upon learning that her class would be affected by the cap, she understands some of the reasoning behind the decision. She pointed to the intense pressure students often place on themselves to achieve academic excellence, sometimes at the expense of their mental health.
“Students here, they love to push themselves,” she said. “Oftentimes, it gets to a point where they don’t care for themselves, and I know what that’s like because I’ve experienced it.”
Expert Perspectives: The Impact on Student Well-being
Chris Kearney, an expert from UNLV, weighed in on the GPA cap, linking it to the broader issue of academic competitiveness. He noted that the pursuit of high GPAs can lead to stress, sleep deprivation, and other negative consequences for students. However, Kearney also emphasized that the issue is complex and cannot be easily resolved by simply implementing or removing a GPA cap.
“What are the ramifications of having a cap?” Kearney asked. “Are these kids automatically going to spend more time on extracurricular activities? I don’t know.”
Kearney’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about how best to balance academic rigor with student well-being. The GPA cap is intended to reduce the pressure on students, but it also raises questions about whether it might inadvertently discourage students from challenging themselves academically.
The History and Future of the GPA Cap
The GPA cap was originally lifted in 2018, allowing students to achieve GPAs higher than 4.0 by taking advanced coursework. This change was meant to recognize and reward students who took on the additional challenge of AP and honors classes. However, concerns about fairness and the increasing competitiveness of the academic environment led the district to reconsider this policy, resulting in the reinstatement of the cap for the class of 2024 and beyond.
As the class of 2025 navigates their final year of high school under the new GPA cap, the impact of this policy on students, educators, and the broader school community will continue to be closely watched. While the cap aims to level the playing field and reduce stress, its effectiveness in achieving these goals remains to be seen.
Students like Bongolan, who have worked hard to push beyond the cap, represent a generation caught between competing values of academic achievement and mental health. Their experiences will likely shape ongoing discussions about the future of academic policies in Clark County and beyond.
⚾ Henderson’s Paseo Verde Heads to Little League World Series After Erickson’s Dominant Performance
In a thrilling performance on Friday, Paseo Verde Little League punched its ticket to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, thanks to a masterful no-hitter by ace pitcher Wyatt Erickson. The Henderson team secured a 2-0 victory over Dixie (Utah) in the Mountain Region championship game, capping off an incredible run through the regional tournament.
Erickson’s Dominant Performance
Facing the intense summer heat, Erickson delivered a performance for the ages, shutting down Dixie’s offense with surgical precision. The young pitcher allowed only one walk and struck out four, maintaining control throughout the game. His dominance on the mound was evident early on, as he quickly settled into a groove.
“I felt really good in the first inning,” Erickson said. “I knew I was on.”
This wasn’t Erickson’s first no-hitter of the season—he also threw a no-hitter in the Nevada state championship, a 12-0 win against Reno on July 21. His consistent excellence has been a cornerstone of Paseo Verde’s success, particularly in the high-stakes atmosphere of the regional tournament.
A Team Effort in a Crucial Game
While Erickson’s pitching was the highlight, Paseo Verde’s offense did just enough to secure the win. Noah Letalu put Paseo Verde on the board in the first inning with a soft line-drive single to left field, driving in the game’s first run. In the second inning, Dominic Laino energized the team with a crucial triple to the right-center gap, eventually scoring on a fielder’s choice to give Paseo Verde a 2-0 lead.
“We just needed a base hit, and I saw one outside,” Laino said. “It went in the gap, and I just kept on running. I knew we needed that insurance run.”
Dixie struggled to respond, managing only three base runners throughout the game. Erickson’s command of the strike zone and his ability to hit his spots kept Dixie’s hitters off balance, preventing them from mounting any significant threat.
A Journey Through the Losers’ Bracket
Paseo Verde’s path to the Mountain Region title was anything but easy. After dropping their first game in the tournament, they fought their way through the losers’ bracket, winning four straight games, including three consecutive shutouts, to claim the championship. This resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and it was on full display as they secured their place in the Little League World Series.
“As a team, we felt like our pitching was set up,” coach Adam Johnson said. “We had our big gun ready, and we knew that if we made it to today, Wyatt was going to have success.”
Looking Ahead to Williamsport
With the Mountain Region championship secured, Paseo Verde now turns its attention to the Little League World Series. Their first game is scheduled for noon Pacific time on Thursday, where they will face South Shore, the Metro Region champion from Staten Island, New York. The Henderson team enters the tournament with a 4-1 record from the regional play, bolstered by a strong pitching staff that Johnson believes will be a key asset in their quest for the title.
“We are fortunate to be able to call Wyatt our ace,” Johnson said. “We’ve got five arms and tremendous pitching up and down the lineup.”
As Paseo Verde prepares for the biggest stage in Little League baseball, the community’s support is growing, with anticipation building for what this talented group of young athletes might achieve in Williamsport.
Final Moments: The Celebration Begins
The game’s final out came when Erickson, after hitting a batter with two outs in the sixth, induced a ground ball to shortstop, sealing the victory and setting off a jubilant celebration. The players and coaches alike are looking forward to the challenge ahead, confident in their ability to compete with the best teams in the nation.
Erickson reflected on the game, noting that he didn’t allow himself to think about the no-hitter until the fifth inning. “I was hitting my spots, my breaking ball was moving, and I could put the ball anywhere I wanted it to go,” he said. “But I didn’t think about [a no-hitter] until the fifth. I knew I really had a groove and finally felt good about it at that point.”
With their eyes now set on the Little League World Series, Paseo Verde’s players and coaches are ready to make their mark on the national stage, fueled by the confidence that comes from overcoming adversity and playing as a team.
🎰 Cybersecurity Conference in Las Vegas Leads to Increased Hotel Room Inspections, Raising Privacy Concerns
As Def Con 32, the largest and longest-running hacking convention in the United States, brings thousands of cybersecurity enthusiasts to Las Vegas, some attendees are expressing frustration over daily room inspections at Resorts World casino-hotel. These inspections, which were implemented as a security measure in response to the presence of the hacking convention, have sparked a mix of reactions from conference participants.
A Response to Increased Risk
Resorts World Las Vegas announced that it would conduct daily "scheduled, brief visual and non-intrusive" room inspections, citing the need for heightened security during a "well-known hacking convention" in town. The inspections, which began on August 5 to coincide with another hacking convention, Black Hat USA, at Mandalay Bay, have been justified by the hotel-casino as a precautionary measure to protect against potential cyber threats.
“These inspections are a standard practice in many of Las Vegas’ premiere hotels, particularly during periods of increased foreseeable risk, where vigilance is critical,” Resorts World said in a statement. “These inspections are a precautionary measure intended to enhance our on-site security presence (both physical security and cybersecurity), maintain the integrity of our property’s services, and safeguard our guests, business partners, and staff against potential cyberattack threats.”
The hotel emphasized that these inspections would be conducted with the "highest respect for our guests' privacy and convenience," and noted that even rooms displaying a privacy or do-not-disturb sign would be subject to the daily checks.
Attendee Reactions: Security Concerns vs. Privacy Invasion
Korvin Szanto, a Def Con veteran from Portland, Oregon, took the inspection in stride, noting that similar practices have been implemented at other Las Vegas hotels during past conventions. “(Security) had no idea what they were looking for,” Szanto said, recounting how hotel staff inspected his room for items like random cables and USB drives. “I said, ‘You have these things.’”
Szanto’s experience highlights a broader concern among attendees: the effectiveness and understanding behind these inspections. While some participants, like Szanto, are accustomed to such measures, others found the process invasive and unnecessary.
Matti Raubasojia, a Def Con attendee from Finland, discovered that his room had been searched while he was out. He questioned the hotel’s approach, suggesting that instead of treating guests as potential threats, Resorts World might consider collaborating with cybersecurity experts attending the conference. “(But) the conference covers both sides of cybersecurity. A lot of the guys [there] are also defending attacks,” he said, referencing recent high-profile cyberattacks on Las Vegas casinos.
Privacy Concerns and First Impressions
For first-time attendee Chandler Emhoff from Ohio, the inspections left a negative impression. “It’s kind of an invasion of privacy,” Emhoff said, expressing disappointment at being stereotyped as a criminal simply for attending a hacker convention. He and other attendees criticized the casino-hotel for its apparent lack of understanding regarding what tools a hacker might use, pointing out that common items like laptops and USB drives could be easily misconstrued.
“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” Emhoff added. “They say they’re looking for some sort of hacking tools or something like that. But what does that look like? It could look like anything. It could be my computer, you know. And like I said, I don’t think they would know what they’re looking for. Even if they did see something, I don’t think they would know it.”
A Broader Trend in Las Vegas
The practice of conducting room inspections in Las Vegas hotels has become more common since the tragic Route 91 Harvest festival shooting in 2017. Security measures, including room checks, are now standard during large events or periods of heightened risk. A spokesperson for MGM Resorts International, the largest hotel-casino operator on the Strip, stated that they were not implementing any special inspections during Def Con, while Caesars Entertainment did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Resorts World’s decision to conduct these inspections has drawn attention to the delicate balance between security and guest privacy, particularly in an environment where attendees possess specialized knowledge that could easily be misunderstood by those outside the cybersecurity community.
As Def Con 32 continues through Sunday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the debate over the appropriateness and effectiveness of these inspections is likely to persist. For now, attendees are navigating the added layer of scrutiny with a mixture of acceptance, frustration, and humor, as they continue to engage in one of the most significant cybersecurity gatherings in the world.
❎ Kamala Harris Rallies Support in Nevada, Energizing Democrats Ahead of 2024 Election
With the November election fast approaching, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her efforts to solidify Nevada as a key battleground state for the Democrats. Harris, who recently replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee, visited Nevada on Saturday with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. This stop marked the final leg of a multi-state blitz aimed at boosting Democratic enthusiasm in critical swing states.
A New Wave of Democratic Energy
Harris’ visit to Nevada follows her stops in Arizona and other battleground states, where the Democrats are experiencing a surge in energy after Biden’s decision to step down from the race. Harris has energized the party’s base, particularly among women and minority voters, as she campaigns to become the first female president of the United States.
Magnolia Magat, a 59-year-old Filipino American restaurant owner in Las Vegas, voiced her excitement about Harris’ candidacy. “I am very happy that not only is our candidate a woman, she is Black and she’s also Asian,” Magat said. “And it’s not because Harris is a woman that I want to endorse her. It’s because she’s highly capable of running the country.”
Targeting Latino Voters
As part of her visit, Harris is focusing on building greater support among Latino voters, a key demographic in Nevada. In the 2020 election, Biden narrowly defeated Republican Donald Trump by 2.4 percentage points in Nevada. This year, Trump is targeting the state’s hospitality industry workers by pledging to make tips tax-free, a proposal he hopes will resonate with Nevada’s large workforce in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
However, the Culinary Workers Union, which represents 60,000 workers in these industries, announced its endorsement of Harris on Friday. The union, which is predominantly Latino and immigrant, declared, “The path to victory runs through Nevada, and the Culinary Union will deliver Nevada for President Kamala Harris and Vice President Tim Walz.”
In the 2020 election, 14% of Nevada voters were Hispanic, and Biden won 54% of their votes. Despite this, the Democrats know they cannot take this bloc for granted and are working hard to secure their support.
The Battle Over Immigration
Harris is also using her platform to address key issues like immigration and abortion access, aiming to drive a wedge between her campaign and the Republicans. She is criticizing Trump for killing a bipartisan deal this year that aimed to enhance border security and address immigration issues. Trump has countered by portraying Harris as weak on border security, a criticism he has repeated since her role in the Biden administration involved addressing the root causes of migration.
At a recent news conference, Trump called Harris “the worst border czar in history, in the world history,” and has proposed mass deportations if he returns to the White House. Despite these attacks, polls show that a majority of Nevada voters, including nearly 7 in 10 in the 2020 election, believe that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally should be offered the opportunity to apply for legal status.
Rallying Key Voters in Crucial States
Over the past week, Harris and Walz have also campaigned in the critical "blue wall" states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. These, along with Nevada and Arizona, could be decisive in the 2024 election, representing 61 electoral votes. Harris had planned additional visits to North Carolina and Georgia, which account for another 32 electoral votes, but those stops were postponed due to Tropical Storm Debby.
Gail Scott, a 71-year-old member of the Democratic central committee in Nevada’s rural Douglas County, initially resisted calls for Biden to leave the race but now sees the new energy Harris has brought to the campaign. “Young people are embracing Kamala Harris and the enthusiasm and the joy that she’s brought to the campaign,” Scott observed.
Republican Concerns and Reactions
While Harris is drawing excitement from Democrats, Republicans are wary of the impact she could have on the race. Brian Shaw, a Republican from northern Nevada, expressed concern that Harris could be a more formidable opponent than Biden. “Biden was a pitiful candidate,” Shaw said, noting that there might not be enough time to expose what he perceives as Harris’ “incompetence.”
Shaw attended a rally for Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance in Reno on July 30 and was impressed by Vance’s performance. “He’s likable, capable, polished as a politician, but not veneered,” Shaw said. He expressed less of an opinion on Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, indicating that Walz remains somewhat of an unknown quantity for many voters.
Looking Ahead
As the election draws nearer, both parties are ramping up their efforts to sway undecided voters in Nevada and other key states. Harris’ visit to Nevada underscores the state’s importance in the race, with Democrats hoping to turn the enthusiasm she has generated into votes come November. With Nevada’s diverse electorate and its critical role in the electoral map, the outcome here could have a significant impact on the national race.
Summerlin South, NV Demographics
What is the population of Summerlin South?
What are the employment statistics in Summerlin South?
How many households are there in Summerlin South?
What are the median and average incomes in Summerlin South?
How many homeowners and renters are there in Summerlin South?
What is the level of education in Summerlin South?
What is the marital status of Summerlin South residents?
What are the most common means of transportation in Summerlin South?
Methodology & Disclaimers
Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release, the 2022 American Community Survey. The information is updated yearly, as soon as new data is made available by the US Census Bureau.
No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information modified or aggregated for specific neighborhoods and/or zip codes.
Zip codes included in this demographic data: 89135
Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: August 2, 2024
Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
📌 🏠 Summerlin South - July 2024
*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count
This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.
Visit here to see the entire report.
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Until next time, John Wu.