Hello AAPS Students, Parents, Staff and Community,

We excitedly look forward to welcoming each of our students to the virtual beginning of the 2020-21 school year next Tuesday, September 8th.

Thank you for your understanding, participation and support as we work together through this pre-start preparation week. If you should find it helpful, we have shared a Parent Checklist for fall preparation to streamline important steps and resources.

Operation Everyone Connected  

We are focused on a mission to ensure every child is connected to their virtual classroom for learning on the first day of school next Tuesday, and our AAPS team is working hard to ensure this critical next step for each of our students. Technology distribution is currently in progress across the AAPS with the goal of distributing approximately 18,000 devices over four days this week.

Importantly, parents will receive direction during the virtual school orientation/meet and greet sessions to confirm the process to log on for class on the first day of school next Tuesday.

AAPS Information sessions this week include a panel discussion of the most commonly asked questions for Parents of Students with Special Needs, now available for viewing, and an AAPS General Information Session, streaming on Wednesday evening, September 2nd at 7:30pm and available for on-demand viewing following this time. 

Please reach out to us with any questions through the front door email address for each school or directly via email to your teacher or principal.

Food Distribution

Due to the Labor Day holiday weekend, the next food distribution is tomorrow, Thursday, September 3rd. Food distribution will take place tomorrow at the normal locations, including from 4:30 to 6 PM at Pioneer High School. Full details on the AAPS Food service are available here.  

Details on food distribution for the school year are being finalized and will be shared this week.

Connections and Community

At this time of COVID uncertainty at the beginning of this 2020-21 school year, we will focus on forging the connections that will carry us through this challenging time. We are inspired by many who have reached out to participate in this effort to support our students as we begin this school year. 

Our connections among teachers, staff, leaders, students, families, community partnerships, and all-important student-to-student connections will power our process to learn, grow and innovate together within our Ann Arbor Public Schools community this year. Through connections, we will navigate the uncertainties of this school year; we will find our way forward despite the many challenges we face, and we will ensure a stronger Ann Arbor community. 

While so many things about our lives, school and work have changed since March 13th, our critical mission in the Ann Arbor Public Schools remains ever the same: Every Child. Every Day. Continue to let us know how we can support you, and we look forward to seeing all our students in virtual classrooms next Tuesday, September 8th. Thank you for holding each other in connection, in care and in community, and thank you for your support of each of our 18,000 students and of the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Sincerely, 

Jeanice K. Swift
Superintendent of Schools