Calendar: May 29 - No School - Memorial Day

 

Washtenaw County COVID-19 Status

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discontinued their community-level COVID-19 tracker at the end of the federal COVID Public Health Emergency. School districts, however, are required to continue reporting cases and outbreaks. 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. The Ann Arbor Public Schools 2022-23 Covid Guidance available here remains in place through the end of the school year. 

 

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News Exceptional series has a profile of a special education teacher at Lakewood. The AAPS District News shares the Burns Park Literacy Coach has published a book promoting compassion, acceptance and bravery, Pioneer teachers brave the dunk tank on Disability Awareness Day, and Huron IB Diploma juniors hold Theory of Knowledge Exhibition. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

A2 Schools Podcast

In this week’s podcast, we talk about what’s going on across the AAPS in the last few weeks of the 2023-24 school year. This includes a few more stops on the Listen and Learn Tour and the last week to participate in the ThoughtExchange, upcoming music events including Picnic Pops, the AAPS STEAM and CTE Expo, graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2023, and the end of the school year.

 

In AAPS good news, we celebrate a pair of Skyline students receiving recognition from C-SPAN for their video on how the state of Michigan has addressed gerrymandering.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education is Wednesday, May 24th, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. At this week’s meeting, the board received a Superintendent Update and a preview of the Fiscal Year 2024 School Aid Budget Proposals. Board of Education Update Newsletters provide a summary of board meetings and are available on Board Docs.

 

AAPS Listen and Learn: Community Conversation

We value the input of our students, families, staff and community members, and we are currently engaging our Ann Arbor community in a conversation as we plan for the future of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. 

 

The premise of the Listen and Learn is straightforward: No one knows better the strengths and celebrations, the challenges and areas for improvement, dreams and hopes for the future than those individuals who live, work and bring their children to learn and grow in the Ann Arbor Public Schools each day. 

There are two ways you can participate. 

 

Join the Conversation on ThoughtExchange. 

You can join the conversation today through May 26th via the ThoughtExchange available here. Through ThoughtExchange, you can anonymously leave your thoughts and review and rate the thoughts of others in our community. 

 

In-Person Community Meetings

We also are hosting in-person meetings to collect feedback from individuals who want to participate that way. Upcoming community meetings:

 

•Monday, May 22nd, 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the AAPS STEAM/CTE Expo at Skyline High School, 2552 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI

 

•Tuesday, May 23rd, 6:30 to 7:30 PM at AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI

You can see the entire list of meetings and learn more about Listen and Learn 2023 at a2schools.org/ListenLearn.

 

AAPS STEAM and CTE Expo

Learn more about our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs offered throughout AAPS from the students and teachers that engage in these activities daily. The Expo takes place Monday, May 22nd, from 6 to 7:30 PM in the Skyline Commons.

 

2023-24 A2 Virtual+ 5th Grade Math Acceleration Program

The application for current 4th-grade students interested in the 2023-24 A2 Virtual+ Online 5th Grade Math Acceleration Program will be open from May 15th to June 15th. A recording of important information is available here. If you have additional questions, A2 Virtual+ will offer Q&A sessions via Zoom on May 10th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and June 7th from 6 to 7 PM.

 

Rec & Ed

Adult Enrichment and Recreation

Register for summer classes and workshops! This summer provides a variety of community education classes to encourage you to experience new areas of education, cultivate your interests, or enrich your personal skills. Online registration for all of our summer classes and workshops begins Monday, May 22nd at 10 AM. 

 

The Ann Arbor Civic Chorus proudly presents “Where There Is Love.” Located at Skyline High School, this Spring Concert takes place Sunday, May 21st at 4 PM. All are welcome to attend this FREE concert.

 

Youth Enrichment Programs

Choose your fun, choose your adventure! We’ve curated some great summer enrichment classes for students in grades K - 6th. Try your hand at art, cooking, dance, or language. Online registration for all of our summer classes and workshops begins Monday, May 22nd at 10 AM.

 

Early Childhood Program

Register for summer classes and workshops! The ECH summer program offers a variety of exciting activities, discoveries, and learning opportunities. It is a great time of year for children and families to get to know new friends and share in everyday exploration. Online registration for all of our summer classes and workshops begins Monday, May 22nd at 10:00 am.

 

Safety Town 2023 is a hands-on learning experience in a miniature town complete with street markings and traffic signs. The goal of Safety Town is to educate kids about a variety of safety topics in a fun-filled environment. Safety Town is for incoming Young 5, Kindergarten, or First Grade students. Fee includes t-shirt, helmet fitting, and guest speakers. 

 

Rec & Ed After Care Programs

Registration for the 2023-24 Before/After Care Program is OPEN! 

 

Rec & Ed has a limited number of spaces available in the Before/After Care programs at Abbot, Angell, Carpenter, Lakewood, Mitchell, Pittsfield and Wines. 

 

Programs are available to families needing financial assistance who meet income eligibility requirements. 

 

Rec & Ed continues to actively hire qualified staff with the intention of continuing to add more sites.

 

Questions? Contact: aapschildcare@aaps.k12.mi.us 

 

Rec & Ed is Hiring

Rec and Ed is hiring caring adults 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

Keeping Medicaid Coverage After End of COVID Public Health Emergency

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), many changes were made to the Medicaid program's eligibility, administration, and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, Michigan will restart Medicaid eligibility renewals in June, and amend certain waived policies that were in place during the pandemic.  The State of Michigan has been preparing for these changes during the past several months. Get ready to renew now, by making sure your contact information is up to date, checking mail or text messages for a letter and completing your renewal form if you get one. If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your healthcare coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges and learn about how to #StayCovered.

 

Embracing Our Differences Family Diversity Day

Everyone is invited to participate in Diversity Day on Sunday, May 21st, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Gallup Park. Embracing Our Differences is installing giant banners near the Butterfly Garden and, on Diversity Day, will have children's activities and booths from local organizations. Live entertainment begins at 1 PM.

 

Huron River Day

Celebrate the Huron River with free, family-friendly river activities during the 43rd annual Huron River Day Festival on Sunday, May 21st, from noon to 4 PM at Gallup Park. More details here.

 

City of Ann Arbor Early Voting Survey

The City of Ann Arbor is seeking resident input as they prepare to implement early voting for the 2024 election cycle as approved by voters. A six-question, anonymous survey is open through Monday, May 22nd here.

 

Suicide Awareness and Prevention: Presentation for Caregivers and Communities

TRAILS is hosting a free online presentation on suicide awareness and prevention for caregivers and communities on Wednesday, May 24th, from 6:30 to 7:45 PM. More information can be found here. Register here, space is limited to the first 500.

 

Ann Arbor African American Festival

The 26th annual Ann Arbor African American Festival is Saturday, June 3rd from 7:30 AM to 8 PM in downtown Ann Arbor at 4th Avenue and E. Ann Street. Learn all about the activities, entertainment, and more here.

 

Girls’ Engineering Exploration Day

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Detroit Section is pleased to announce our 15th annual Girls’ Engineering Exploration (GEE) Day on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This year’s open house-style event for girls in 4th to 8th grade will be held at Keast Commons on Wayne State University's campus from 10 AM to 2 PM. The free event, with lunch provided, is a part of SWE’s continuous effort to educate girls about the endless career opportunities that the engineering field has to offer. Registration and more information here.

 

A2 Zero Week

The third annual A2 Zero Week is June 4th through 10th, with a wide variety of activities to learn about and celebrate Ann Arbor’s sustainability efforts. Learn about all of the events here.

 

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Youth Council

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Youth Council is now accepting applications for new members to begin in the fall of 2023. The Youth Council brings together 25 high school students from across the county to provide an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through grantmaking and service. Learn more and apply here.

 

Free Citizenship Preparation Classes

Jewish Family Services will be offering online free citizenship preparation classes beginning in July, as well as continuing in-person classes. Registration is open now here.

 

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.

 

Michigan Child Protection Registry

The Michigan Child Protection Registry is a do-not-contact service that families can easily and quickly sign up for at www.ProtectMIChild.com. This is a free Registry offered through the State of Michigan that stops adult advertisements from reaching our kids through e-mail, text, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Rain Gardens Reduce Runoff

Rain gardens allow up to 30 percent more water to soak into the ground than conventional turf grass lawns. In addition, downspouts and diverters can direct runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops and sidewalks straight into a rain garden, preventing polluted water from reaching nearby storm drains. Learn more at washtenaw.org/raingardens.

 

Ann Arbor Pollinator-Aware Yard Care Program

The City of Ann Arbor is launching the Pollinator-Aware Yard Care Program. This is the successor to the No Mow May campaign and encourages property owners to support native pollinator populations through sustainable yard care practices. More details are available here.

 

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 Dr. Robyne Thompson, Executive Director, High School Education: thompsonr@aaps.k12.mi.us