Calendar: September 27 - Early Release

 

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shares an exceptional profile of A2 Virtual+ teacher De’Marko Thurman. AAPS Adult Education has expanded and highlights from a Pioneer graduate competing at the Special Olympics World Games. 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 20th, 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.

 

AAPS Securly Tip Line

AAPS is pleased to offer this anonymous tip line for students, staff and families to address bullying, mental health concerns or important “See Something, Say Something” concerns. The Securly Tip Line can be downloaded from the AppStore or Google Play, and a bookmark will be placed on all student Chromebooks. Students, staff and parents can initiate an anonymous tip outside of the app via phone: 1-833-300-STOP, email: tipline@securly.com, or their website: https://www.securly.com/tip.

 

Social Media Threats

We look to our students and families to partner with us when they learn of a statement, social media post or other information that threatens our school community. Students, please share this information with a parent/guardian or trusted adult or contact:

• AAPS Securly Tip Line -1-833-300-STOP - TIPLINE@SECURLY.COM - SECURLY.COM/TIP  

• OK2Say- 8-555-OK2Say - Text 65279  - OK2SSAY@mi.gov

• Call 911

 

We ask the AAPS community of students and parents to work with us to partner in creating a school culture of safety. Jokes of threats, emails, social media posts, statements made in anger or figures of speech without intent to do harm will be revealed through the threat assessment process so we urge students to think before they make these kinds of threats or reshare these threats because it will be taken seriously and fully investigated.

 

Rec & Ed

Adult Enrichment & Recreation 

Enrich your life – learn something new or share thoughts and activities with others who enjoy doing and learning. Rec & Ed fall enrichment classes are varied, but all provide unique opportunities to have fun, meet new people, and do something for yourself. 

 

Do you love to dance, or do you have two left feet and want to improve your skills for that next wedding or social event? Then let us help! Our Ballroom, Social and Salsa classes will teach you the classics under the direction of our most experienced instructors. Classes start soon! 

 

Youth Sports

Young athletes can keep active and have fun this fall by taking part in a youth sports league. Fall youth volleyball leagues are open to students in 4th - 9th grades. Fall youth basketball leagues are open to students in 2nd and 3rd grades. Online registration for youth fall sports closes Monday, September 18, at 5:00 PM. 

 

Youth Enrichment Program

Keep your children engaged, enriched, and excited to learn! 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! 

 

Youth athletes enrolled in Open Soccer Training @ Eberwhite will learn the basics to advanced technical and tactical aspects of the game. A great addition for players participating in Rec & Ed fall soccer leagues, Open Soccer Training is for players of any level looking to get professional coaching and feedback. Available for grades Y5-4th.

 

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

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.

 

High in Plain Sight: Current Drug Trends Training

Attendees will gain the knowledge and confidence to help prevent and quickly identify: Alcohol and/or drug use and abuse trends and indicators of possible at-risk individuals. This free event for parents and adult community members is from 6:30 to 7:45 PM on Thursday, September 28th, at the EMU Student Center.

 

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.

 

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The National Alliance on Mental Illness uses this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal of NAMI is to ensure individuals, friends, and families have access to resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Call 1-800-950-6264, chat, text "Friend" to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please chat, call or text 988.

 

Flu Vaccination Clinic

AAPS is pleased to offer a family flu vaccination clinic hosted by Alana’s Foundation on Monday, October 9th, from 4 to 7 PM at Pioneer High School. Open to all AAPS students and families. Click here for more information and to register.

 

WISD Mental Health Parent Education Series

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District is hosting monthly mental health webinars on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 PM. Click here for more information, scheduled topics and to register.

 

City of Ann Arbor Flag Design Contest

The City of Ann Arbor is tapping the inspiration and skill of Ann Arbor residents to design a flag for the city, meant to encourage joy and civic pride in the community. The competition is open to city residents of all ages. Six finalists will each receive $200, while the overall winner will receive an additional $500. Designs must be submitted by 5 PM on Friday, November 3rd.

 

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.

 

Adopt A Storm Drain

Learn how to care for your curbside storm drain and keep it free-flowing by participating in the Huron River Watershed Council’s Adopt-A-Storm-Drain program. Sign up today at hrwc.org/adoptastormdrain.

 

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