December 20, 2024 - Weekly Update
Calendar: December 23 to January 3 - No School - Winter Break
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shared that AAPS students were chosen for an All-State Musical Theatre Ensemble and Slauson students created and donated puzzle cubes to Mott Children’s Hospital. We shared a Two Minutes at Angell video and some of the highlights of Winter Spirit Week at schools across the district. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
AAPS Board of Education
The next Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, January 22, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s meeting, the Board of Education received the November Monthly Budget Report, the 2024-25 Staffing and Recruitment Report, a presentation on the FY 2025 Budget Amendment and a presentation on Thurston Staging and Logistics. We also shared a video thanking trustees Krystle DuPree and Jeff Gaynor for their service on the Board of Education.
Care Solace - Available Over Winter Break
We hope this time away allows you to connect with loved ones and recharge, but we know that the holidays are challenging for some. Even though schools are closed, families and staff still have access to Care Solace services.
AAPS partners with Care Solace to provide a complimentary and confidential care coordination service. Whether you need mental health or substance use treatment options, Care Solace can help.
- Call: 888-515-0595 (Available 24/7/365 with multilingual support)
- Visit: www.caresolace.com/aaps to search or click “Book Appointment” for video chat, email, or phone support.
Wishing you a safe break! We’ll see you back on Monday, January 6.
AAPS Learning Resources Available During Break
As we head into winter break, we want to remind you of the tools and resources available to support your student’s learning during their time away from school. Your student already has access to these tools through their Clever login:
- DreamBox: A K-8 engaging and adaptive online math program that provides personalized instruction to help our students develop conceptual understanding and build critical skills.
- Lexia Core5 (K-5): A K-5 engaging and adaptive reading program offering students explicit, systematic, and personalized reading instruction.
- Varsity Tutors Learning Platform: A grade 5-12 learning resource offering academic and interest-based enrichment activities and practice opportunities across a variety of topics including coding, SAT prep, and languages.
- SORA Digital Library: A vast collection of eBooks and audiobooks to keep your student reading and exploring new worlds.
We encourage you to explore these resources with your students over the break to keep their minds active and engaged. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Have a safe, restful, and joyful winter break!
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 the app via phone: 1-833-300-STOP, email: tipline@securly.com or their website: https://www.securly.com/tip.
AAPS Securly Parent Portal
In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, we utilize a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their district-issued devices. 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.
AAPS 2025-26 Enrollment
Neighborhood pre-enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Tuesday, January 7th. Students in grades Y5 through 12 who will be new to the AAPS district for the 2025-26 school year will be eligible to complete their pre-enrollment for their zoned school. Families can look up which school they are zoned for by accessing our Attendance Area by Street Directory.
January 7th through February 13th will be the first In-District Transfer window open for the year for grades Y5, 9, 10, and 11 (IB only at Huron). In-District transfers are for those who live in the Ann Arbor Public Schools attendance area but seeking enrollment in a school that is not their zoned neighborhood school. Additionally, January 7th through February 13th will be the ONLY application window for the Community High Lottery and Ann Arbor Open Lottery.
Information about additional In-District Transfer and Schools of Choice windows will be posted on the Enrollment page when available. Questions can be directed to enroll@a2schools.org.
Kindergarten Round-Up Schedule
AAPS will hold Kindergarten Round-Up events at schools across the district in February. Meet the staff, learn about the programs and the enrollment process and get answers to your questions. Learn more and see the full schedule here.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Scholarships
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's (AAACF) Scholarship application is now open through February 13th at 3 PM. AAPS graduating high school seniors can access 25+ scholarship opportunities by visiting www.aaacf.org/scholarships. Questions or concerns can be directed to Maryellen Ferro at mferro@aaacf.org.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment & Recreation
Progress from individual steps to a full-length choreographed dance this winter when you register for Appalachian Clogging 3! Students will build on the foundations and techniques they learned in prior levels, learning new steps and choreography. This 60-minute class meets for 8 weeks beginning January 6, 2025.
The Adapted Theater Workshop is designed to provide a joyful and expressive outlet for special needs teens and adults through singing, dancing, and acting. The class will culminate in a final performance where participants can showcase their talents and hard work in front of family & friends.
Youth Enrichment
Get ready to score big in the kitchen with our Super Bowl-themed cooking class! Join us for an exciting culinary experience where you and your little chef will collaborate to create three delicious game-day favorites. Watch your child's creativity shine as they mix, mold and assemble tasty treats that will impress your friends and family! All food and equipment will be provided.
Family Yoga for 6 to 9-year-olds begins January 12, 2025. S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Move, breathe, smile and laugh while reaping the many benefits of yoga. Developmentally appropriate poses, games, breathing and meditation techniques will be practiced to build body awareness, release energy and experience relaxation.
Youth Team Sports
Online registration for the High School Basketball League is OPEN! The High School league is open to youth in grades 9th-12th during the 2024-25 school year. This league is 6 weeks long and broken down by grades 9th-10th and grades 11th-12th. Scholarships are available.
Early Childhood Classes & Sports
Spend Sunday mornings with your little ones in Family Fun: Art & Play! Michi plans a different make-and-take craft each week for children and adults to work on together. Children gain fine motor, social and concentration skills in a playful setting. Ages: 2.5-5 years with an Adult.
Begin an athletic journey with Multi-SportTots for ages 4-5 years! Coaches use age-appropriate games and activities across multiple sports to explore balance, hand/eye coordination, fitness, body awareness and more. This engaging introduction is packed with learning and teamwork!
Rec & Ed Before and After Care Programs
Rec & Ed’s Before and After Care program has openings available at the following schools: Abbot, Allen (AM), Angell (AM), Bach (PM), Carpenter, Dicken (PM), Eberwhite (PM), Lakewood, Logan (PM), Mitchell, Pittsfield (PM combined with Allen), Thurston (PM) and Wines (AM). Please visit the child care registration website or call 734-994-2300 ext. 0.
Programs are available to families needing financial assistance who meet income eligibility requirements. Find more information on our Rec & Ed Scholarship page.
Questions? Contact: aapschildcare@aaps.k12.mi.us
Join Our Friendly and Caring Rec & Ed Team
Rec & Ed wages and benefits are highly competitive. Schedules are flexible, with both part-time and full-time opportunities ranging from assistant to program director. Find out more about before/after care positions on our employment opportunities page.
Community Events and Information
University of Michigan Museum of Art Free Winter Break Activity
Looking for a fun, free activity over Winter Break? Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) from December 21st through January 5th and ask for a Winter Wonderland activity booklet at the welcome desk. Explore the galleries, find the four works of art and return to the welcome desk to claim a prize. Information about hours, directions, parking and the cafe can be found on UMMA’s website.
City of Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Disposal Sites
Christmas tree disposal sites around the city of Ann Arbor open Monday, December 16th and will remain open through January 20th. More information can be found here.
Find Free Meals for Christmas and New Years
Want information on where to find food for Christmas and New Year's Meals? Please visit https://www.foodgatherers.org/find-help/holiday-meals/ for a full schedule.
Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Workshop
The University Center for the Child and Family is offering a free Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Workshop online via Zoom. The workshop will begin at 11 AM on Tuesdays. The next available one starts on January 14th. Click here for more information and required registration.
Cold Weather Gear Swap
The downtown Ann Arbor District Library is hosting a cold-weather gear swap on Sunday, January 19th, from 2 to 4 PM. Stop by to pick up free winter gear, including jackets, coats, hats, scarves and more. You do not need to drop off items to pick something up. Details. The library will be accepting donations before the event at all branch locations.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Listening Sessions
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) is seeking participants for a listening session focused on families with children on Saturday, February 22, from 2 to 4 PM. The purpose of the listening session is to better understand how A2SF can serve families at Top of the Park and throughout the year. A $50 honorarium will be offered to participants. Please note that filling out the INTEREST FORM does not guarantee you'll be invited to participate.
Hold the Salt
The best way to keep salt out of our streams during cold weather months is to shovel 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