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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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January 30, 2026 - Weekly Update

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of Eberwhite’s art teacher. We also shared a Pioneer Sophomore was named Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year and three Tappan students shined at the 2026 Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert. We also preview Pioneer is producing a new take on Hamlet and Skyline Theatre will present the dark comedy ‘Light Up the Sky.’ Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is Wednesday, February 4th, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. Click here for a recap of the board’s last meeting.

 

Superintendent Message on Student Protests

The Ann Arbor Public Schools fully respects and supports students' First Amendment rights and understands the desire many students have right now to raise their voices and express their thoughts on important issues across our nation. It has come to our attention that some of our AAPS students are planning demonstrations in coordination with nationwide protests.

When students plan an activity to exercise their right to free speech, these expressions must be conducted in a way that doesn’t cause a disruption or interfere with the orderly conduct of learning or school activities.

During a student walkout, all students will be required to remain respectful, follow staff directions and adhere to student safety guidelines, including remaining on campus. During any student demonstration, classroom instruction will continue as scheduled for students who opt not to participate, and students may remain in the classroom as their teacher continues with instruction. 

For the safety of our students, we do not support students leaving campus during the school day. We strongly encourage students to remain on campus and participate in student expression on school grounds and under the supervision of school staff.  Leaving campus during the school day presents safety concerns and limits our ability to ensure student safety. If parents wish for their student(s) to leave school premises during a student protest, please make arrangements in advance of the day for your own student(s). 

We ask parents to please discuss with your child/children this topic of student protest and activism prior to any event, so that students are well prepared in their thinking.  

We support student voice and civic expression while also remaining focused on maintaining their safety.

For specifics on how student protests are handled at each level and more information click here.

Sincerely,

Jazz Parks

AAPS Superintendent

 

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.  

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.

 

AAACF Scholarships

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. 

 

AAPS CTE Program Applications for 2026-27

The AAPS CTE Program application for the 2026-2027 school year is open. AAPS CTE Programs are open to students in Ann Arbor Public Schools. If a program is not offered in the student's homeschool, the student can still apply.

 

All students wishing to be a part of the AAPS CTE Programs for Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary, CTE Environmental Sciences AP, Health Sciences, and Homebuilding will need to complete an application.

 

Link to the AAPS CTE Programs Application (Application must be completed using the students' AAPS account).

 

Link to a QR Code for Program Applications 

 

All applications are due by Friday, February 27th.  

 

Students and caregivers with questions about the application and CTE programs should contact their student's counselor before the February 27th deadline.

 

AAPS Music Camp Scholarships

AAPS Music Department’s 2026 Summer Music Camp Scholarship Auditions are being accepted now through February 17th. Auditions this year will be via video recording only. Apply here.

 

AAPAC Caregiver Meeting
The Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC) for Special Education is hosting a caregiver meeting on Monday, February 2nd, at 7 PM via Zoom. The Office of Special Education Assistant Directors will be available for individual parent/caregiver virtual pre-meeting conferences from 6:15 to 7 PM. The main meeting agenda includes welcome and update, an advocacy focused guide to IEPs and 504 plans including how to best prepare for meetings, know your rights and to build confidence to advocate for your child. On Monday, March 2nd at 7 PM AAPAC will hold an in-person meeting at the Earhart Administration Building (3700 Earhart). This meeting will be AAPAC’s 2026 Summer Camp and Activities Fair.

 

AAPS Celebrates NAAPID

AAPS will celebrate National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) on Monday, February 9th with special events across the district. Each school chooses its own way to showcase community engagement and cultural celebration, so check with your child’s school on what is planned.

 

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.

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.

 

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

 

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 

NEW!  Spring Break Camps K-5th grade Coming Soon:  Keep your kids moving, creating, and smiling this Spring Break. Full Day and Half day camp options. Registration opens February 24th. More information here. 

Youth Spring Sport League K-8th grade - Sign Up Coming Soon: Registration for Spring Soccer, Flag Football and Field Hockey will open on Tuesday, February 17th.

NEW! Technology Seminars for Middle & High School Parents Digital Balance: Smart Tech Habits for Families (Feb 18) – Practical guidance for navigating technology at home. Raising AI-Smart Kids: How to Talk About Artificial Intelligence (Mar 10) – Help your kids understand AI. Led by Trisha Keller, tech-savvy mom and AI team leader.

WINTER CLASS Registration Is Open ❄️ Have a wonderful winter with Rec & Ed! Click here to browse our classes. 

 

Community Events and Information

The History Behind KPop Demon Hunters event at the downtown Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 PM. Join Dr. John Grisafi, researcher at the University of Michigan’s Nam Center for Korean Studies for a talk exploring the roots of Korean mythology and symbolism that have inspired and shaped this cinematic phenomenon. Learn more here.

 

Energy Career Panel for Teens is taking place on Wednesday, February 4th from 6:15 to 7:45 PM at the Pittsfield Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. Join Washtenaw County 4-H and Invenergy for an interactive career panel where you’ll discover the wide range of roles in the energy industry and learn how cleaner energy is transforming businesses and communities. Sign up here. Please contact Jenny Speyer at speyerje@msu.edu with questions.

 

TRAILS Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities on Thursday, February 5th from 4:30 to 6 PM. This presentation will provide participants with an overview of suicide and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents, including risk and protective factors. Participants will learn warning signs that may indicate elevated risk for suicidal behavior and how to intervene. Click here for more information and to register.

 

Grief and What Parents Can Do to Support Grieving Children will be the topic of the next WISD online workshop for parents and caregivers on mental health topics on Tuesday, February 10th at 7 PM. Join KaDerrick Robinson, LMSW, from Ele’s Place for this event. Register here.

 

Annual Give Kids a Smile Day is Saturday, February 14th at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Free limited dental care for the first 160 children ages 4 to 14 that register here.

 

 F.E.M.M.E.S Winter 2026 Connect will be held Saturday, February 21st from 10 AM to 2 PM for 6th to 8th graders at the University of Michigan Chemistry Building. The program will expose students to various hands-on STEM activities and give students an opportunity to interact with women pursuing college degrees and careers in STEM. The program is designed to support girls but is open to students of all genders. Registration for Connect is currently open and will close on February 14th.

 

University of Michigan Chapter of Tau Beta Pi Host MindSET on Sunday, February 21st from 3 to 5 PM. The event is a free, hands-on STEM experience for grades 3 through 5 run by the U of M Engineering Honors Society. At February’s event students will learn about buoyancy forces, density and weight by building and testing boats in small groups. They will aim to build a boat that can hold the most amount of weight before sinking. Learn more and register here.

 

Trinity Health Nutrition Buddies offers middle schoolers (ages 11 to 14) a medical resident physician mentor for four weeks of in-person, hands-on culinary classes at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Women’s Health Center. All participants also receive a weekly produce subscription, a kit of cooking tools to keep and one week of free summer camp at the Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. More information, including program dates here. Registration is open here.

 

SummerWorks Summer Internship Program for Teens is accepting applications through March 22nd. SummerWorks offers young adults ages 16 to 24 who either reside in Washtenaw County or attended school here an opportunity to gain professional skills. The program features professional development sessions, connections with local mentors, exposure to potential career paths and an opportunity for a paid 10-week internship this summer. Learn more and apply here.

 

Conquer the Cold 2026 is underway through February 12th. Ann Arbor’s getDowntown Program launched the 2026 Conquer the Cold Challenge this week. To participate, community members log when they take trips using sustainable forms of transportation in the greater Ann Arbor area at win.getDowntown.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. 

 

  • A2ZERO Ambassador Applications Now Open! The A2ZERO Ambassador Program is a 12-session training program that allows community members to explore pathways for advancing local sustainability initiatives, resilience, and carbon neutrality in Ann Arbor. No previous experience is required. Applications available at: osi.a2gov.org/ambassadors. 

 

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