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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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April 10, 2026 - Weekly Update

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shared a rocket scientist that attended Slauson visited the school, A2 STEAM’s robotics coach has earned international recognition, students and staff dressed to show their support for U of M basketball’s run to the NCAA championship and we have a preview of Skyline Theatre’s upcoming presentation of ‘Cinderella.’  We also shared Community’s Mock Trial won a state championship and the Board of Education received a report on the Environmental Education Program. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is Wednesday, April 22, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s meeting, the Board of Education received a presentation on the Environmental Education Program and an AI Update. You can review a recap of the last meeting here.

 

Assistant Principals Appreciation Week 

This week April 6-10th is Assistant Principal Appreciation Week. It is a time to recognize these dedicated folks who work tirelessly to bolster teachers, motivate students, support their principal, create a positive learning community, and face the many unpredictable challenges that land on their desks. Our AAAPS Assistant Principals play a crucial role, and this week is a dedicated time to recognize them for their hard work and commitment to our schools, students, and profession. Please join us in celebrating these incredible school leaders! 

 

National Arab American Heritage Month 

April is National Arab American Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, heritage, culture and diversity of Arab Americans and honor their many significant contributions to society.  National Arab American Heritage Month was recognized in April 2021 by President Joe Biden. While official national recognition may be recent, efforts on the state and local levels to recognize Arab American Heritage Month have been ongoing for decades.  We celebrate the many accomplishments of educators, artists and writers, poets and musicians who promote the Arab American heritage and culture - a testament to the contributions Arab Americans have made to America's rich diversity. 

 

Autism Acceptance Month 

Every April, the Autism Society celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance of those in the Autism community. This month-long recognition aims to recognize that autism is more than a diagnosis—it is identity, community, and a lived experience that encompasses both challenges and triumphs. As many individuals and families affected by autism understand, lack of acceptance and inclusion are often barriers to developing a strong support system. Acceptance and inclusion are vital to ensuring that all in the Autism community can access the resources and support they need to live their lives to the fullest.   

 

Mental Health Support

When you or your child needs help, it’s hard to know where to turn. To ease the burden of finding the mental health and substance use services you need, AAPS has partnered with Care Solace. Care Solace’s multilingual and culturally sensitive Care Companion team is available 24/7/365 to quickly connect individuals to community providers regardless of need. Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 with multilingual support) or visit: caresolace.com/aaps to search or click “Book Appointment.”

Information about Care Solace is available in Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin. 

AAPS Summer Music Program

The AAPS Summer Music Program is open to students in Washtenaw County grades 5-12. Students will have the opportunity to display their existing talent and be challenged to develop new skills. Registration is now open, click here for class offerings and descriptions and click here for how to register.

 

Transportation

Families may continue to apply for Space Available Transportation throughout the school year. It generally takes one week to check availability after the initial student counts are conducted.

 

My Stop is a free desktop and mobile app that provides parents access to bus route information such as a child’s assigned bus, bus stop location and updates on the estimated time of arrival at the bus stop. My Stop allows parents and students to plan for late or on-time arrival and prevent missed pick-ups. Click here for more information and how to login.

For more information on transportation go here.

AAPS Job Fair

AAPS is holding an in-person job fair on April 13th from 3 to 6 PM at the Huron High School cafeteria, 2727 Fuller Road. Come join our team. Meet with recruiters, screening interviews will be held, so please bring your resume. Sessions will be first come first served.

 

Available Positions:

  • Teachers
  • Paraeducators
  • Special Education Staff
  • Noon Hour Supervisors
  • Title 1 Tutors
  • Bilingual Liaisons
  • EL Co-Teachers
  • EL Instructional Assistants
  • Substitute Teachers
  • Bus Drivers and Assistants

 

Click here to complete an online application before attending the job fair. Please contact our HR team hr_info@aaps.k12.mi.us for inquiries.

 

School Crossing Guards Wanted

The City of Ann Arbor is currently hiring school crossing guards. Duties include, holding up a hand-held "STOP" sign until all children are safely across the street and reporting any unsafe observations, incidents or accidents involving students to school authorities. Click here to learn more and apply.

 

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 App Store 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. Or visit the OK2Say - the State of Michigan’s anonymous tip line: https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say. 

 

Securly Parent Portal - How to Opt In

In the AAPS, we utilize a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their district-issued device. To help parents monitor their child's online activity at home, AAPS offers the free Securly Home app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on district-issued devices at home. Parents may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, pause the internet connection to the device as desired, and receive weekly usage reports. To OPT-IN to the Securly Parent Portal service, please encourage families to use the pathway as outlined below:

If families have any questions, they can always reach out to the Student & Family Help Desk at 734-997-1222.

 

Michigan Safe Storage Law

MCL 28.429 requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises. Additional resources are available on the Michigan Department of Education website to assist families in maintaining firearm safety.

Rec and Ed

Applications open next week -  High School Volunteer Program - Launch Your Future This Summer Current 8th–12th graders: Gain real-world experience and develop leadership skills at a Rec & Ed Summer Camp! Learn more here or contact Elyse Bairley at bairley@a2schools.org.

Registration is OPEN NOW for:

Spring & Summer Class Registration - Check out Rec & Ed's wonderful spring/summer line-up of early childhood (ages 0-5), school-age youth (ages 5-14), and adult classes and activities at aarecedonline.com. With so many NEW classes being offered, you are sure to find something you like. Spring into learning with Rec & Ed - where curiosity blooms! 

Summer Camps - Time to sign your child up for summer camp adventures! There's no better destination than Rec & Ed, where children ages 3-15 years old can CREATE, PLAY, and EXPLORE all summer long. www.aarecedonline.com/camps

Late Registration for Youth Spring Sport Leagues - K-8th grade. Learn more about each league and register late here. Late registrations do not guarantee placement in a program.

 

Community Events and Information

Run Ann Arbor is a fun, free running program for kids in grades K-8 every Sunday at Leslie Park through May 10th. University of Michigan student athletes are leading these free, team-centered running practices and races for kids of all abilities. Run Your City is a nonprofit committed to creating an inclusive community where every child can grow into a healthy, confident and inspired individual. Click here for more information and to sign up for the program.

 

Scientist Spotlight at the U of M Museum of Natural History from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday April 11th. Visit with U of M scientists and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting edge research. Suitable for upper elementary through adult visitors. Learn more about the event here.

 

Black Maternal Health Cafe on Saturday April 11th from noon to 4 PM at Ypsilanti Community High School will illuminate the disparities in Black Maternal Health and uplift the astounding victories fueling Black Maternal Joy. The event will include talks about vital topics in Black Maternal Health, a keynote address by Dr. Mona Hanna, founder of Rx Kids, perinatal and community resources and more. Click here for more information and to register.

 

WISD Mental Health Workshop on Tuesday, April 14th at 7 PM will offer parents, caregivers, grandparents, school staff and adults who work with children strategies to help children with ADHD flourish. Register for this online workshop here.

 

Teacher Appreciation Month Videos are currently being accepted by the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence. The MDE invites parents/guardians to submit 15 to 30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and MDE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, the Office of Educator Excellence’s Facebook  (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) will promote the videos throughout the month of May.  

 

Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent must be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form.  Videos are currently being accepted until April 15, 2026.

 

Michigan Youth Sports Initiative Field Day is on Friday, April 17th from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Mitchell Field for 1st through 8th graders. U of M student athletes and members of the MYSI are hosting three hours of skill workshops, games and other activities. Learn more and register here.

 

U of M Aerospace Day is Saturday, April 18th from 9 AM to 4 PM for Grades K-12, with students under 16 needing to have at least one guardian with them. Sessions are broken up for K-6 and 6-12. The Director of Research and Engineering at NASA Glenn will give the opening keynote remarks to kick off the day, and he will be a part of the Q&A panel with UM faculty, students, and other industry professionals to close out the day. Learn more and register here.

 

Kid Support is a peer support group for children and teens who have a parent, or loved one with cancer (either in treatment or post-treatment). Professionally facilitated at the Cancer Support Community Greater Ann Arbor center, this 4 week group offers children and teens an opportunity to make friends and learn skills to help them when cancer is in their lives. The program runs Tuesday Evenings April 21st through May 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Please contact the Cancer Support Community to register your family at 734.975.2500 or trevor@cancersupportannarbor.org. 

 

Climate Teach-In on Saturday, April 25th, from 1 to 5:30 PM at Mitchell Elementary. Returning for its fourth year, this free event provides residents the opportunity to learn from local sustainability leaders and other community members as they create and innovate climate solutions. Register now at a2climateteachin.com.  

 

AAATA The Ride’s Blake Transit Center to close starting May 3rd due to a construction project closure of 4th Avenue. Bus stops currently on 4th Avenue and at the Blake Transit Center will temporarily move to 5th Avenue and Washington Street. Route 29 will be temporarily suspended during construction. Route 26, which covers the same area, will have increased frequency to accommodate this temporary change. Visit TheRide.org/BTC for information on the Route 26 schedules that will work best for Pioneer students and to stay up to date on the temporary closure.

 

Free ESL and Academic Tutoring for Adults from Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy provides free tutoring for adults.  Want to improve your reading?  Math?  Computer Skills?  ESL?  Call us at 734-337-3338 or email merritt@WashtenawLiteracy.org for a Personal Tutor.  Or you can join drop-in tutoring. Learn more at https://washtenawliteracy.org/

 

Sustainability Updates in Our Community

This new series will provide weekly updates on sustainability activities unfolding in the Ann Arbor Public School District as well as in the Ann Arbor community. You can always learn more about this work at https://www.a2schools.org/departments/environmental-sustainability and www.a2gov.org/sustainability or by following the city's Office of Sustainability and Innovation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

 

  • EARTH DAY FESTIVAL, April 19, 12 – 4:30 PM, Leslie Science and Nature Center. Join the community for this free annual celebration featuring displays; hands-on activities; live entertainment; green building and commuting technologies; energy topics; water awareness; sustainable agriculture; and more. Learn more at osi.a2gov.org/events.

 

 

Learn more about AAPS Environmental Education initiatives here and other AAPS environmental sustainability initiatives 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 school level:

 

For early childhood and elementary level issues, contact Melita Alston, Executive Director, Early Childhood and Elementary Education: alston@a2schools.org

 

For High School, Middle School and K-8 school issues, contact Dr. Roberta Heyward, Executive Director, K-8, Middle and High School Education: heywardr@a2schools.org