January 31, 2025 - Weekly Update
Calendar: February 14 -18 - No School - Mid-Winter Break
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of a Thurston kindergarten teacher. We shared a Forsythe student addressed the State Career Education Conference, the Friends of AAPS Libraries were awarded a grant for audiobooks, King students held a student peace walk and a two minutes at Bryant video. We also shared previews of a new production at Pathways to celebrate Black History Month and the Huron Players presenting the musical “Rent.” Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
Superintendent Message
Dear Ann Arbor Public Schools Community:
As we continue to monitor the impact of any executive orders we want to assure our AAPS community that 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. There are protocols in place for how our schools should respond to engaging with any visitors including law enforcement agencies on our school campuses.
Jazz Parks
Superintendent
Ann Arbor Public Schools
PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident Update
PowerSchool recently shared with the AAPS an update on the cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain information in the PowerSchool Student Information System, including some of the next steps they will be taking in response to the incident.
Through our ongoing cyber incident response process, we have verified that no active PreK-12 student Social Security numbers have been compromised. PowerSchool is offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all current and former students and educators whose information was determined to be involved. PowerSchool is also offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring services for all adult students and educators whose information was determined to be involved.
PowerSchool began the process of filing state attorneys general notifications on behalf of school districts. In the coming days, PowerSchool will begin providing formal legal notice of the cybersecurity incident to current and former students (or their parents/guardians as applicable) and educators whose information was determined to be involved.
A direct email notification will be distributed by Experian on behalf of PowerSchool in the coming weeks to applicable current and former students (or their parents/guardian) and educators for whom there is sufficient contact information. These notices will include instructions for involved individuals on how to enroll in the credit monitoring and identity protection services that are being offered by PowerSchool. Experian will also be providing a call center to answer questions.
The most up to date information from PowerSchool on the incident can be found here. As a reminder, PowerSchool advises that it will never contact individuals by phone or email to request personal or account information and that anyone trying to do so is likely to be a scammer.
Protecting our students and teachers, including their personal data, remains a top priority for the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
AAPS Board of Education
The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is Wednesday, February 12th, at 7 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s Organizational/Regular Meeting the board swore in new trustees and elected officers and received an update on the Elementary Reading Curriculum Pilot.
January is School Board Recognition Month. We are pleased to take this opportunity to recognize the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education Trustees for their service and commitment to our students, staff, parents and local community.
The Trustees serving Ann Arbor Public Schools and their years of service are:
Susan Baskett – 22 Years
Torchio Feaster – 1 Year and 3 Months
Rima Mohammad – 2 years
Susan Schmidt – 2 years
Don Wilkerson – Term began January 2025
Leslie Wilkins – Term began January 2025
Glynda Wilks – Term began January 2025
Care Solace - AAPS Mental Health Partnership
Care Solace is AAPS’s free Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care Coordination Service. Care Solace is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect students, staff, and their families to mental health, substance abuse, and ABA service providers.
Over 200 languages are supported, and help is available to those with and without insurance.
Using Care Solace is easy!
- Call 888-515-0595 any time. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments and follow up with you to make sure it's a good fit.
- Search anonymously by visiting caresolace.com/aaps
Information about Care Solace is available in Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin.
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
Enjoy watching a Taiko performance and then join our Taiko Play drum circle! Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce you to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming. Intro to Taiko Drumming meets Sunday, February 23rd from 2:30 to 4:30 PM and is for grades 8th-Adult.
Come learn the basics of Creative Photography. Instructor: Katelend Rosaen is a fine art photographer who has exhibited her art work in multiple countries and has a European Masters of Fine Art Photography; Katelend changes people’s perspective one project at a time. Grades: 10th-Adult.
Youth Enrichment
Unleash your inner fencer! Fencing isn’t just a sport; it’s a blend of athleticism and strategy, sharpening both mind and body. Boys and girls in grades 2nd-8th are invited to join us this winter for Intro to Fencing and Beginning Fencing at King beginning February 23rd.
Early Childhood Classes & Sports
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
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.
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.
Dinosaur Discoveries
Join the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History for a fun-filled weekend of science, exploration and arts and crafts at Dinosaur Discoveries 2025. Dig for real fossils to take home and create your own dinosaur accessories at this free event from 10 AM to 4 PM on February 15th and 16th. New this year is a sensory-friendly hour starting at 10 AM.
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