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November 18, 2022 - Weekly Update
Calendar: November 23-27 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
Washtenaw County COVID-19 Status
As of today, November 18, Washtenaw County is in the CDC Medium/Yellow Community Level. Link to CDC Community Level page here.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Fall 2022 Covid Guidance is available here. If a child tests positive, parents should report cases here, and here is additional information on what to do if students, staff or volunteers have COVID. The AAPS Weekly COVID case dashboard and the biweekly outbreak report are available here.
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News Exceptional series has a profile of a speech pathologist at Forsythe. A Huron senior has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl, and students got some interesting lunch options at several schools this week. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
A2 Schools Podcast
In this week’s podcast, we talk with Heather Kellstrom about the important role IT plays in the AAPS, including providing technology to support face-to-face teaching and learning, offering students valuable lessons on staying safe online, and making the district cyber resilient in the face of online attacks against schools.
In AAPS good news, we celebrate Skyline's Harper Murray being named the 2022 Michigan Miss Volleyball, and Huron's Adam Samaha being chosen to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl.
AAPS Board of Education
The next regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education is on Wednesday, November 30th, at 7 PM at Huron High School. At this week’s meeting, the Board of Education received the Superintendent’s Update, the 2021-22 Financial Audit and the first briefing of the Capital Program Phase 2. The full calendar of board meetings is available here. Board of Education Update Newsletters provide a summary of board meetings and are available on Board Docs.
AAPS Winter Giving and Community Resources Available
With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays fast approaching, AAPS is sharing resources for families that need assistance here. Looking for ways to support children and families this winter giving season? Reach out to your school or visit a2schools.org/wintergiving for opportunities.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment and Recreation Opportunities
Join us for UMS 101 and familiarize yourself with and deepen your understanding of bluegrass. Get to know some of the instruments and artists that make this uniquely American genre so soulful. Ages 18 and up are welcome for Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart and Punch Brothers. $49 registration includes the 90-minute workshop plus a ticket to the corresponding performance. A $15 workshop-only ticket is also available.
Youth Enrichment Programs
Online registration for Winter Break Camp is now open. Camp will run January 3rd-6th and will be held at Slauson Middle School. Open to grades Y5-5, campers can choose from art, chess, dance, science or sports, with half-day and full-day options. Register early, as each camp has a minimum and maximum number of participants.
Early Childhood Programs
Join us in a two-part workshop to create artistic designs using the screen printing technique. Participants will create drawings or designs on a mesh frame before printing those designs on paper, t-shirts and/or a tote bag. All materials are included. No previous experience is needed. Ages 2.5 to 6 years with adult. Register for December 8th & 15th at 4:45 to 5:30 PM or December 8th & 15th at 5:45 to 6:30 PM.
Youth Team Sports Programs
Calling all youth high school basketball players for winter hoops. Join our recreational league for grades 9-12 and improve skills, agility and game play. Looking to play with friends in a league all about fun, we offer different grade divisions of 9-10 and 11-12. Online registration is available through December 5th, while space is available.
All skill levels of youth athletes in grades Y5-5th are welcome to play youth indoor soccer. Online registration for the winter 2023 season is available through November 21st while space is available. Introduce your athlete to the sport of Futsal this winter, or have your child continue to play league indoor soccer with Rec & Ed. Register now.
Dribble, pass and shoot your way to fun in our youth basketball leagues. This is a non-competitive league, emphasizing fundamentals, good sportsmanship and fun for boys and girls. Winter basketball leagues are open for registration through November 21st while space is available. Grade 4-8, register now!
Rec & Ed Youth Scholarship Fundraiser
Enjoy a fun night at Little Caesars Arena with Rec & Ed to watch the Detroit Pistons take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Game night for this annual fundraiser event is Friday, January 13th, at 7 PM. The Pistons will donate a portion of every ticket to benefit the Rec & Ed Youth Scholarship Fund. Bonus: first 20 kids to register will get to participate in the Pistons fan tunnel! For more information and to get your tickets, visit: pistons.com/annarborreced.
Fall Adult and Youth Tennis
Get your game on, get fit, meet other tennis players and sharpen your skills. Space is still available in our Fall II Adult and Youth tennis classes. Register for tennis today.
Rec & Ed is Hiring
Rec and Ed is hiring caring adults and 16 and 17-year-old high school students to work with elementary students in our before/after-school program. Join our friendly and supportive team. Find out more and apply here.
Community Events and Information
Tips for Having a Safe and Healthy Holiday
The Washtenaw County Health Department offers these tips to keep your holiday gatherings safer.
Scientist Spotlight: Movement Under the Microscope
The next University of Michigan Museum of Natural History’s Scientist Spotlight is Sunday, November 20th, from 11 AM to 4 PM. This month’s spotlight includes “Movement Under the Microscope” at 1 PM, a science theater production of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department students and students in the School of Music, Theater and Dance. Suitable for upper elementary through adults.
National Society of Colonial Dames Congressional Essay Contest
The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Michigan encourages high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in their Congressional Essay contest. Students must apply by December 1st and write a compelling 750-word essay. This year’s essay topic is “Examine the US Constitution as a whole and explain why you think it does or does not fully protect the Right to Vote.”
Scientist Spotlight: Only for the Curious
Visit with University of Michigan scientists and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting-edge research at the Museum of Natural History. This free event is open from 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, December 3rd.
Understanding and Managing ADHD
The University Center for the Child and Family is offering a new session of the virtual, Understanding and Managing ADHD - Free Parent and Guardian Workshop for fall 2022. The workshop is free, but registration is required. The workshop will take place at 6 PM on Tuesday, December 13th.
Parenting Through Separation and Divorce
The University Center for the Child and Family is offering a free Parenting Through Separation and Divorce workshop this fall. The workshop is free, but registration is required. The virtual event is scheduled at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 13th.
OK2Say
As a reminder for students, parents and staff, when any concerns or unease arise, we encourage students and parents to reach out right away to an adult at school for assistance. For those who prefer to share a concern without revealing their identity, we recommend using the OK2Say tool, where tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephone, text message, email, mobile app or via the OK2Say website.
BeSMART Gun Safety
The BeSMART Gun Safety initiative is a nationwide campaign created to educate adults on the importance of safe gun storage. It does not endorse or condemn gun ownership; it merely reminds parents of the importance of being aware of guns in the community, in one’s own home, as well as in others’ homes.
How to Address a Concern in the AAPS
If you have a concern in the AAPS, we want to hear directly from you. Please reach out directly to an adult, teacher, counselor or the principal at your child’s school. If additional assistance is needed with school issues beyond the local school level:
For elementary level issues, contact Matt Hilton, Executive Director, Elementary Education: hiltonm@aaps.k12.mi.us
For K-8 and middle school level issues, contact Dr. Roberta Heyward, Executive Director, K-8 and Middle-Level Education: heywardr@aaps.k12.mi.us
For high school level issues, contact Jazz Parks, Assistant Superintendent, School Leadership: parks@aaps.k12.mi.us