January 24, 2025 - Weekly Update
Calendar: January 29 - Early Release - All Students
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shared a Skyline Alum Won a Prestigious Scholarship and video highlights from Huron’s Art Night. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
AAPS Board of Education
The next Board of Education meeting is a retreat on Saturday, January 25th, at 8:30 AM at 3700 Earhart Road. The board’s Organizational Meeting and next regular meeting will be Wednesday, January 29th at 7 PM.
Superintendent Message
Dear Ann Arbor Public Schools Community:
As a school district, we are dedicated to providing a safe environment where every student can thrive without fear. As a result of the recent executive orders issued over the past few days by the new presidential administration, we recognize that members of our Ann Arbor Public Schools community may be feeling unwelcomed, concerned and fearful.
Above all, the safety and well-being of all students and staff will continue to be our top priority in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
The Executive Order regarding gender identification policies does not require any immediate or specific action by local school districts at this time. The Ann Arbor Public Schools will continue to uphold and follow our Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students policy, found here, protecting the right students to assert their gender identity.
In addition to the executive order, a memo was released that rescinds a 2021 memo by the Department of Homeland Security that designated schools as areas protected from immigration enforcement actions. While the memo directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use “common sense,” it is now possible that enforcement actions could occur at schools and other formerly protected spaces.
Our commitment to protecting the rights and privacy of our students remains steadfast. A child's immigration status does not affect their right to receive a public education, and we take our responsibility to uphold and protect student rights seriously. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards student information, meaning that schools cannot share protected records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a judicial order.
We are actively preparing guidance and protocols for our school leaders and staff so they are prepared to respond should the need arise to engage with ICE officials on any of our AAPS campuses. We will remain in communication as we continue to closely assess the scope and impact of the executive orders and any resulting legal changes that may impact our students.
As we navigate these challenging times, we will move forward together, remaining committed to fostering inclusive school environments that value the dignity, well-being and belonging of all our students and staff.
Jazz Parks
Superintendent
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Care Solace - AAPS Mental Health Partnership
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. We are grateful for the grant dollars that allow us to provide this critical service to our students and families.
AAPS Free On-Demand Learning Resource For Students
The Ann Arbor Public Schools, in partnership with Varsity Tutors, is making a free set of 24/7 learning resources available to our students via Clever. Our 5th - 12th graders now have immediate access to a learning platform with the following:
· Chat Homework Help
· Asynchronous Academic Support Courses
· College Preparation Tools and Courses
· SAT Prep
· Myriad Live and Asynchronous Extracurricular Courses like coding, chess, comic drawing and more.
The Varsity Tutors Platform gives students more opportunities to learn at their own pace. We invite you to view this short video overview of the platform and resources.
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 is now open. Students in grades Y5 through 12 who will be new to the AAPS district for the 2025-2026 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.
Now through February 13th, the first In-District Transfer window is open for the 2025-2026 school 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.
High School Curriculum and Information Sessions
Each AAPS High School will be hosting Curriculum/Information Sessions in January or February to help families learn more as students begin preparing for the transition to high school and understanding the options available. Click here for the full schedule.
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 Open Middle School Open House
Learn more about Ann Arbor Open’s seventh and eighth-grade program on Thursday, February 6th, from 6 to 7:30 PM at the media center. A panel of alumni, parents and teachers will answer questions about the unique Ann Arbor Open program.
AAPS Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
AAPS offers multiple scholarships to graduating seniors looking to further their education at a credentialed college, university or trade school. To view a listing of scholarships and apply online, visit a2schools.org/scholarships. Application deadline is March 14th at 10 PM.
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.
Michigan’s Seal of Biliteracy
AAPS is again offering students graduating in the class of 2025 the opportunity to earn Michigan’s Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the Michigan Department of Education to recognize students who have attained proficiency in English and one or more languages by high school graduation. Learn more here.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment & Recreation
Join us for a delightful winter-themed cookie decorating workshop where creativity meets winter cheer! During this hands-on workshop, you and your child will have the opportunity to decorate a variety of winter-themed cookies with colorful icing, edible decorations and festive designs. Grades: 1st-8th with an Adult.
Intro to Photography: Learn to take better photographs and begin to master your camera’s basic settings through lectures, in-class activities and homework assignments. Instructor: Katelend Rosaen is a fine art photographer who has exhibited her artwork in multiple countries and has a European Masters of Fine Art Photography. Grades: 10th-Adult.
Youth Enrichment
Introduction to Mandolin @ AAOpen: Discover the joy of mandolin playing in this class designed for students in grades 3-8. Learn the basics of mandolin, including chords, melodies and essential playing techniques. No prior mandolin experience is needed, and instruments, as well as all materials, will be provided. Grades: 3rd-8th.
Introduction to Fencing @ King: Fencing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that improves speed, agility, and reflexes. Join us to learn how to apply problem-solving skills under pressure. Use your mind and body to overcome your adversary. Equipment is included. Grades: 2nd-8th. Sundays, 9:45 to 10:45 AM, February 23-March 16.
Early Childhood Classes & Sports
Winter Wonderland Adventures: Explore and discover parts of the forest in the winter season with other families! Class includes nature-based activities (like ice sculptures, fort building and snow painting), stories and play. Classes meet rain, snow or shine (within safe temperatures). Ages: 2.5-5 years with an Adult.
Lunch & Play: Caregiver Connection: For ages 1-4 years with a Nanny or Caregiver, this group is designed as a supportive and informal community of nannies and caregivers who are dedicated to nurturing the children under their care. Our meet-up is every other Thursday in a space that is safe, warm and child-friendly to help beat those winter blahs.
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
Engage Ann Arbor (EA2)
The City of Ann Arbor is launching Engage Ann Arbor (EA2), a dynamic online hub designed to significantly improve how the city shares information and gathers input on projects and programs. Learn more here.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Presentation
We all play a role in suicide prevention! Please plan to attend a free presentation, Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities, on Thursday, February 6th, from 4:30 to 6 PM. Discussion will take place via Zoom: https://bit.ly/TRAILS_2-6_training
Parents to Parents: After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt
Join clinicians and researchers from the Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and members of NAMI Washtenaw County for a virtual screening of the documentary. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, during which audience questions will be addressed. Click here for more information and to register.
MindSET 2025 Ice Cream Making
Join University of Michigan engineering students on Sunday, February 9th, from 3 to 5 PM at the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building on North Campus. At this MindSET event for students in 3rd through 5th grade, we’ll learn how to make ice cream with a bag of salt, ice and milk. Click here to learn more and register.
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 February 11th. Click here for more information and required registration.
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