Calendar: September 27 - Early Release

 

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shares exceptional profiles of a Spanish teacher at Tappan, a math teacher at Scarlett and a first-grade teacher at Haisley. A group of AAPS teachers is making local history come alive for students. Students returned for the first day of school, and some students had to wait an extra day for school to kick off this year.

 

Over the summer, we highlighted camps, the middle school summer challenge, Community’s garden being renamed in honor of Jones School and a Skyline teacher co-writing a book about teaching during the COVID pandemic.

 

We also recognized a Community student winning a statewide scholarship for a Congressional workshop in Washington D.C., a seventh grader being named Miss Amazing Preteen Queen and Huron students being honored by the New York Times for their podcasts.

 

Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education is Wednesday, September 13th, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Board of Education Update Newsletters provide a summary of board meetings and are available on Board Docs.

 

Freeman Environmental Youth Council Accepting Applications

The Freeman Environmental Youth Council is a district-wide leadership group that brings students together from all five AAPS high schools to collaborate around critical environmental issues that affect young people today and in the future. Applications from high school students in 9-11th grade to join the council are being accepted through September 18th. Students can apply online here.

 

Rec & Ed

Adult Enrichment & Recreation 

We are offering a NEW Tai Chi class specifically designed for teenagers. A highly effective method of exercise, Participants will learn the slow, continuous dance-like movements that develop strength, balance, and relaxation. Ages 14-16 welcome.

 

Express your creativity, learn a new skill, get fit, or organize your finances: Rec & Ed enrichment courses offer something for everyone. Open to learners of all ages, online registration for fall classes is happening NOW!

 

Youth Sports

Basketball for 2nd - 3rd-grade students: Join us this fall for a fun youth basketball league where the emphasis is on good sportsmanship and skill development in a fun, safe setting. Players will continue improving on their dribbling, shooting, defensive, and teamwork skills. Sign up today! 

 

Volleyball for students in grades 4 - 9: Want to improve your volleyball skills and learn new ones? Rec & Ed Youth volleyball develops fundamental volleyball skills, teaches teamwork, and promotes physical activity in a team environment. Register today!

 

Youth Enrichment Program

Through engaging and interactive experiences, we offer after-school opportunities for children to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence. Our after-school program offers an outstanding variety of fun and exciting enrichment classes, including art, chess, dance, fencing, languages and science to select from — one or more may interest your young learner! 

 

Early Childhood Program

Save the date! Come join us outside at the Westerman Preschool & Family Center for the 2023 Trike-A-Thon. This Fall Festival & Fundraiser is a First Steps PTO-sponsored event on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM. Bring your bike, trike, stroller or scooter and enjoy some fun for the whole family.

 

Rec & Ed After Care Programs   

Registration for the 2023-24 Before/After Care Program is OPEN! For assistance with registration, please call our office at 734.994.2300.

 

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education and Recreation department runs on-site before and after school childcare programs for these 8 Ann Arbor elementary school communities:

 

Abbot, Allen, Angell, Carpenter, Lakewood, Mitchell, Pittsfield (After Care only, in combined program at Allen) and Wines. 

 

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

 

Rec & Ed continues to actively hire qualified staff. As staffing allows, Rec & Ed will add more Before/After Care program sites throughout the year.

 

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

Community Input on West Park Bandshell Project

Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is seeking community input on the West Park Bandshell project. A pop-up event at the park is scheduled for Monday, September 11th, from 1 to 3 PM, and a virtual meeting will take place the same day from 6:30 to 8 PM. An online survey is open through September 18th.

 

A2 Tech 360

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 is a week-long celebration that honors the visionary individuals and groundbreaking companies fueling this thriving and imaginative community from September 14th to 22nd. Check out the full schedule of events, including Tech Trek, on Friday, September 22nd.

 

A2 Zero Green Fair

Stroll local exhibits and learn innovative ways to live sustainably and take climate action at the A2 Zero Green Fair on Friday, September 22nd. This year’s fair includes EV test rides and alternative transportation options at the Library Lot from 2 to 6 PM and a wide variety of exhibits on Main Street from 5 to 8 PM.

 

Chuseok Dae Party

Celebrate Chuseok Dae or Korean Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 24th from 2 to 4 PM at the University of Michigan’s Weiser Hall. U of M’s Nam Center for Korean Studies hosts the annual event featuring traditional Korean games, crafts, performances and snacks.

 

Ann Arbor Public Works Open House

The City of Ann Arbor Public Works unit is hosting an Open House on Saturday, September 30th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at their facility at 4251 Stone School Road. Activities for children and adults of all ages include the chance to touch some of their trucks, paint a snow plow, and educational demonstrations.

 

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.

 

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