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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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December 19, 2025 - Weekly Update

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of an A2 STEAM resource room teacher. We shared that Angell celebrated their Blue Ribbon School designation, Community ASL students and Skyline choir students performed the National Anthem at a Michigan basketball game and Clague sent a robotics team to a state competition for the first time. We also shared Community students bridging communities through art and storytelling, and AAPS students performed at the MSVMA Region C and State High School Honors Choir. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next Board of Education Organizational/Regular Meeting is Wednesday, January 14th, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s meeting the Board of Education approved an amendment to the 2025-26 budget, received the Student Enrollment Fall 2025 Annual Report and the Recruitment and Staffing 2025-26 Annual Report.

 

Winter Break Message from Superintendent Jazz Parks

Dear Ann Arbor Public Schools Community,

As we head into winter break and prepare to bring an end to 2025, it's a moment to acknowledge and thank you for the hard work, commitment, and creativity that each of you brings to our schools, making them a vibrant place for learning and growth. This season is not only about winding down but also about celebrating our collective achievements and leaning into the spirit of collaboration that defines our district. Your dedication to excellence does not go unnoticed, and each of you plays an essential role in making Ann Arbor Public Schools a dynamic community where students thrive.

As we bid farewell to this year, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such incredible students, educators, and families. Through our collective efforts, we continue to provide the high-quality education that empowers every student and sets them up for future success.

I look forward to the new year ahead, where we will continue to learn, grow, and achieve great things together. 

I wish you all a restful and joy-filled winter break.

Jazz Parks

AAPS Superintendent

 

AAPS Budget Update

We shared an update on the AAPS budget this week. You can read the budget update here.

 

Mental Health Support

The holidays are upon us - a time for joy, connection and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. It’s also a season that can bring its own pressures, like planning visits, managing gift budgets and organizing events. With everything on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

If you’d like professional support, Care Solace is available to help connect you or your loved ones to mental health services, even while AAPS is on break. This is a complimentary, confidential service provided by AAPS to match you with the right mental health or substance use provider:

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.  

Kindergarten Round-Up Events

Come see what fun awaits your child in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for Fall 2026! Open to all families of kindergarten or Young 5s eligible students. Attend any of the listed open houses in February or call to schedule a tour. To be eligible for Young 5s your child must turn 5 years old between May 1st and December 1st.

 

Free “Fuel” for School for ALL Students

Reminder! Even if a student brings their own lunch they can still get a free school lunch and choose at least three food groups: Milk, Fruit, Veggie, Protein & Grain! Or choose all five for the best nutrition.

 

All students can have free breakfast and lunch! Take, Eat and Enjoy!

 

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.

 

Links to bus routes for our schools are available here. 

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.

MyFuture Fund

Eligible 1st through 8th grade students attending a Washtenaw County public school automatically receive an early scholarship account that includes $25 to start their savings for college and career training through My Future Fund, unless a parent/guardian requests to opt out. All 1st-8th grade families should complete the Permission Form form by December 31, 2025 to take full advantage of the My Future Fund program benefits, which could include an extra $475 for your child.

 

AAPS is a proud partner of the My Future Fund program, which is operated by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in collaboration with Washtenaw County Government. Please, visit www.myfuturefund.org for more information.

 

MyPowerHub

AAPS is excited to announce a new centralized hub for student information and communication called MyPowerHub. This new hub will serve as a one-stop portal designed to better serve our students and families. This streamlined system will bring together everything from grades and attendance to schedules, assignments, and communication tools, all in one easy-to-access location. By simplifying access and enhancing the user experience, we’re making it easier than ever for families to stay informed and engaged in their student’s education. This is a major step forward in our commitment to providing seamless, efficient, and supportive tools for student success. 

 

This is a work in progress, so some areas of the MyPowerHub may not be filled yet. We will continue to roll out access to elementary school families in the coming weeks.

 

MyPowerHub Intro Video

 

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 

FIRST STEPS DAY AT PTO THRIFT SHOP   This Saturday, December 20th, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop will donate 10% of all sales to the First Steps Scholarship Fund. Come thrift for last-minute holiday gifts, explore pre-owned treasures, and support a great cause—no need for tokens, ads, or special checkout instructions. Just shop to support First Steps! Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop is located at 2280 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

WINTER CLASS Registration Is Open ❄️Have a wonderful winter with Rec & Ed! Click here to browse the full catalog and register today!

Only 6 Spots Left! WINTER BREAK CAMP REGISTRATION Ages 6-9 : Rec & Ed is partnering with Nutty Scientists of Southeast Michigan to offer winter break camps from 12/29 - 12/31. Campers will build, create, and experiment through winter-themed science investigations. Click here for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS 🏀 9th/10th Grade and 11th/12th Grade Leagues Registration is now open and begins in late January 2026.

 

Community Events and Information

Holiday Meals and Distributions - Food Gatherers offers a listing of holiday meal options and volunteer opportunities here.

 

CLR Academy offers a free K-8th grade program every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Southpointe Scholars at 10550 Geddes Rd, Superior Township. CLR Academy’s program offers students a wide range of exciting, enriching activities designed to support education, health, fun and wellness, led by professional teachers, social workers and behavior specialists. Registration required.

 

Washtenaw Literacy offers a host of tutoring and other resources that are grounded in people-centered service with an eye to learner identified goals. This includes an in-person or zoom citizenship tutoring class on Wednesdays starting the week of January 12th. There is also a reading, writing and math tutoring program available for adults 16 and older on Tuesdays at the Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti beginning January 13th. Learn more about Washtenaw Literacy here.

 

Solutions for Your Child’s Pain is the topic of the next WISD Mental Health Workshop on Tuesday, January 13th at 7 PM. All Washtenaw county residents are welcome to this online workshop as we explore how to understand and harness psychological strategies to help your children with migraine, sports injuries and GI issues manage their symptoms, develop coping skills and thrive. Register here.

 

U of M Marsal Family School of Education’s Martin Luther King Jr. Children and Youth Program takes place on Monday, January 19th from 8 AM to 3 PM at the School of Education Building. This free event celebrates the life and legacy of MLK Jr. by providing a day of dynamic activities for youth in grades K-12. Click here for more information and required reservation. 

 

Early College Alliance Virtual Information Meeting is on Wednesday, January 21st from 6:30 to 8 PM. With the ECA students can graduate with an AAPS diploma and up to 65 Eastern Michigan University credits for free. Learn more about the ECA here. Students currently in 8th-10th grade are eligible to enroll for the 2026-27 academic year. Prior registration is required to attend the information meeting.

 

A Book Covering Party is being hosted by the Friends of the AAPS Libraries on Saturday January 24th at the Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield branch. The Friends of the AAPS Libraries will help school librarians by assisting with the critical task of covering books. Sign up for 1, 2, or 3 hour shifts and training will be provided. Sign up here. 

 

Embracing Our Differences Michigan is accepting artwork applications through January 30th. Embracing Our Differences Michigan invites you to participate in creating a society where diversity is embraced and individuality is celebrated. The exhibit will be on display in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti parks from May through the end of October 2026. Click here to learn more and submit your artwork.

 

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) Scholarship Applications are being accepted through February 10th at 3 PM. AAPS graduating high school seniors can access 25+ scholarship opportunities (awards ranging from $1,000 to $26,000) by visiting www.aaacf.org/scholarships. Questions or concerns can be directed to Maryellen Ferro at mferro@aaacf.org. 

 

Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Drop-Off Locations will be open through Monday, January 19th at Bicentennial Park, West Park, Gallup boat launch and Olson Park. Trees must have all stands, nails, lights, ornaments and other items removed before drop-off. More information on composting options at www.a2gov.org/compost. 

 

Hold the Salt - the best way to keep salt out of our streams during cold weather months is by shoveling snow and ice, early and often. If you occasionally need a de-icer for sidewalks and driveways, choose a product labeled “environmentally or eco-friendly.” Learn more at hrwc.org/uselesssalt.

 

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