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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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March 13, 2026 - Weekly Update

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of Tappan’s school social worker. We also shared that the PTO Council has launched their Title 1 Equity Fundraiser, a Pioneer senior has earned DAR Good Citizen recognition, CTE students have advanced to the SkillsUSA State Finals, and Tappan students will take the stage with “Shrek the Musical JR.” Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is Wednesday, March 25th, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s meeting, the board received the AAPS 2025 NWEA Benchmark Assessment Annual Report, the AAPS Summer Learning 2025 Recap, an AAPS K-12 Student Support Advisory Committee Update and the AAPS January Monthly Monitoring Report. 

 

Superintendent Message

Dear Ann Arbor Public Schools Community,

In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our priority. But, I also know that safety isn't just about locked doors and security protocols. It's about feeling secure in our communities, protected in our places of worship, and confident that we can gather without fear. When that sense of safety is shattered it affects all of us.

As details continue to emerge about yesterday's attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield my thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this act of violence. We understand news of this nature can feel overwhelming. Moments like these present the challenge about how to speak to young people about hate and violence. For those seeking guidance on how to talk with children about traumatic events, this document may be helpful in having conversations with children about traumatic experiences. The National Association of School Psychologists offers these tips on talking to children about violence. Supporting Jewish Students After Incidents includes resources to support learning about antisemitism, mental health considerations and ways to stand up to hate.  

If you or your child needs support, please reach out to a trusted staff member at your school.  Additionally, AAPS has also partnered with Care Solace to help connect students, staff and families with mental health support. Care Solace is available 24/7 at 888-555-0595 or online at caresolace.com/aaps.

In moments like this, let us be reminded that our strength lies in our community and our resolve to protect and support one another, and in our determination to create an AAPS community where every person feels safe, valued, and welcome.

Sincerely, 

 

Jazz Parks, 

AAPS Superintendent

 

World Down Syndrome Day 

World Down Syndrome Day is an annual March 21st celebration and global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date of March 21 (3/21) signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. 

 

On this day, people worldwide with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them organize events and activities to raise public awareness. This year, we encourage staff, students and families to participate in the Together Against Loneliness campaign.  To stop loneliness, every person needs: real inclusion, welcoming spaces and meaningful relationships. 

 

March is Reading Month in AAPS School Libraries

Our libraries are bustling with learning all year long, but especially during March is Reading Month! From guest readers (and dogs!) to animal book battles to partnerships with local elected officials and a food drive in partnership with Food Gatherers and so much more, our school librarians are leading their communities in literacy rich activities all month long to cultivate a culture of reading, learning, and growing. 

 

Families can participate at home with our AAPS Elementary Library MIRM Calendar, put together by our elementary library team. You can also see the amazing Bach staff in their annual Reading Music Video here. 

 

If you’re interested in celebrating our school libraries and their programs, check out the Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Libraries to learn more. 


 

Arts and Letters Curriculum Caregiver Webinar

Join us for a special webinar focused on the new elementary reading and writing curriculum: Arts and Letters on Wednesday, March 18th at 6 PM. Learn about program highlights and answers to common questions like why does my child have less choice in their reading and writing, why are books read multiple times and why is the ELA block longer. Click here to open the zoom link.

 

AAPS Safety and Security Forum

AAPS will provide an update on school safety protocols and procedures at a community meeting on Monday, March  23rd at 6 PM in Pioneer’s Schreiber Auditorium. We will engage in questions through a QR code during the presentation or submitted before the meeting here. 

 

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.  

Ramadan Meals

We are pleased to offer shelf-stable meals for our students who are observing Ramadan and fasting. Meals will be available during school days through Thursday, March 19, 2026.

 

Students may pick up these meals during their regular lunch period in the cafeteria lunch line to take home and enjoy after sunset. The meals include a variety of shelf-stable foods that do not require refrigeration and meet Halal requirements.

While students observing the fast are not required to sit in the cafeteria during lunch, they will need to pick up their meal and then proceed to the location designated by their school for the lunch period.

We welcome your input on these meals as we work to ensure they are nutritious, meet USDA requirements, and provide meaningful support to students and families observing Ramadan. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with Mike Devries, Chartwells Manager at devriesm@aaps.k12.mi.us or Liz Margolis, Executive Director, School Safety & District Operations at margolisl@aaps.k12.mi.us.

AAPS Summer Music Program

The AAPS Summer Music Program is open to students in Washtenaw County grades 5-12. Students will have the opportunity to display their existing talent and be challenged to develop new skills. Registration is now open, click here for class offerings and descriptions and click here for how to register.

 

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.

 

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 

Registration is OPEN NOW for:

Spring & Summer Class Registration - Check out Rec & Ed's wonderful spring/summer line-up of early childhood (ages 0-5) and school-age youth (ages 5-14) classes and activities at aarecedonline.com or in the attached documents. With so many NEW classes being offered, you are sure to find something you like. Spring into learning with Rec & Ed - where curiosity blooms!

Late Registration for Youth Spring Sport Leagues - K-8th grade. Learn more about each league and register late here. Late registrations do not guarantee placement in a program.

Spring Break Camps - Keep your kids moving, creating, and smiling this Spring Break. Full Day and Half day camp options More information and camp options here. 

Summer Camps - Time to sign your child up for summer camp adventures! There's no better destination than Rec & Ed, where children ages 3-15 years old can CREATE, PLAY, and EXPLORE all summer long. www.aarecedonline.com/camps

Ages 9th Grade - Adult Shake Your Shamrocks: St. Paddy’s Cookie Decorating Party! Looking for a sweet way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Grab your friends (or come solo and make new ones!) and join us on March 17th from 6–8 p.m. for a festive, frosting-filled evening of creativity and fun. Click here for more information and to register online.

NOW HIRING: Spring Soccer Goal Crew Member Weekend Position, $15 an hour. Rec & Ed is looking for dependable individuals to help set up and take down soccer goals and fields for our Youth Team Sports program on weekends this Spring. Flexible weekend hours, and no experience necessary — we'll train you! Contact Shadaira, our Equipment & Sports Field Specialist: mccartys@aaps.k12.mi.us

 

Community Events and Information

Scientist Spotlight and Young Scientists Expo on Sunday, March 15th from noon to 3 PM at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Visit with U of M scientists and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting edge research. The spotlight will also feature science projects from Forsythe students. Click here for more information.

 

U of M Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is looking for interested high school juniors and sophomores who identify as women or non-binary for their mentoring program. Mentorship meetings start in March. Click here for more information and to sign up for the program.

 

Ann Arbor Blaze & Blue Career Camp is returning this summer to provide free, immersive, impactful experiences, in a supportive, challenging, exciting environment and led by women who are first-responder professionals. The Ann Arbor police and fire departments are inviting local young women, ages 15 to 18 to the camp that will take place June 22nd to 25th. Registration opens at 10 AM on Monday, March 16th and space is limited. Learn more about the camp here.

 

Urban Planning, Ancient Ruins is the next Science Cafe on March 18th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Conor O’Neill’s. Learn more about the University of Michigan’s unlikely collaboration between an archaeologist and an architect that has helped an over 20 year study of a centuries old city in Turkey. Learn more about U of M Museum of Natural History’s Science Cafes here.

 

A2Y Chamber 2026 LaFontaine Teacher of the Year nominations are being accepted through Thursday, March 19th at 4:30 PM. This award honors excellence in teaching in Washtenaw County by recognizing an exceptional educator who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities, earns the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues and serves as an active leader within their school and community. Learn more and submit applications here.

 

We C.A.R.E. Program focuses on fostering positive relationships between middle school students and law enforcement while helping young people develop strong leadership qualities. Built on four core pillars — Commitment, Accountability, Respect and Engagement — the program guides students as they grow into responsible and compassionate leaders. Each week, mentors from the Ann Arbor Police Department and middle school students will come together for a fun, engaging and supportive experience. Transportation will be provided by Ann Arbor Public Schools buses from school to the Police Department. Parents or guardians must pick up students at 6:30 p.m. Join us at the Ann Arbor Police Department, on Wednesday’s, April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Apply here by March 20th.

 

F.E.M.M.E.S Explore Capstone Event is for 4th to 6th graders on Saturday, March 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM at the University of Michigan. This event will expose students to various interactive STEM activities, allow them to gain hands-on experience in performing some experiments and projects and give them an opportunity to interact with women pursuing college degrees and careers in STEM. All events are designed to support girls in developing confidence and interest in STEM fields, but are open to all students. Learn more and register here.

 

Scientist Spotlight on Saturday, March 21st at the Ypsilanti District Library on Whittaker Road from 2 to 4 PM. Visit with University of Michigan scientists and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting-edge research. Learn more about this U-M Museum of Natural History event 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.

 

TRAILS Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers & Communities presentation on Tuesday, March 24th from 7 to 8:30 PM. We all play a role in suicide prevention. This discussion will include risk factors and warning signs, starting the conversation, dispelling myths and more. Click here for more information and to register.

 

Teacher Appreciation Month Videos are currently being accepted by the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence. The MDE invites parents/guardians to submit 15 to 30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and MDE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, the Office of Educator Excellence’s Facebook  (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) will promote the videos throughout the month of May.  

 

Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent must be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form.  Videos are currently being accepted until April 15, 2026.

 

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Civics Contest is accepting entries from students in 9th - 12th grade through March 27th. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s contest calls on students to create an original graphic poster and provide a 500 word written description of your poster that conveys the connection between the Declaration’s founding promises and the judiciary’s role in upholding them. The written description should use 12 pt. Times New Roman font, double-spaced text, with one inch margins and include a title page with your first and last name, school, grade, level, city and state, email and phone. Submissions should be sent as a PDF to CA06-Civics_Contest@ca6.uscourts.gov.

 

Ann Arbor 2026 FreeTree Giveaway will be on Saturday, April 25th at Mitchell Elementary. Registration is required and will open on Saturday, March 21st. The registration link will be posted at www.a2gov.org/10ktrees. All trees will be small, bare root seedlings that will fit easily inside your vehicle. Tree planting and care information will be provided with every tree. Species available include pawpaw, serviceberry, choke cherry, northern red oak, American linden, sycamore, and paper birch. 

 

Free ESL and Academic Tutoring for Adults from Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy provides free tutoring for adults.  Want to improve your reading?  Math?  Computer Skills?  ESL?  Call us at 734-337-3338 or email merritt@WashtenawLiteracy.org for a Personal Tutor.  Or you can join drop-in tutoring. Learn more at https://washtenawliteracy.org/

 

University of Michigan Mental Health Focus Group for Teens

The Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Educational Video Project (CAPEV), is a collaboration between child psychiatrists, pediatricians, and medical students at the University of Michigan. Our goal is to create engaging, accessible educational tools to help teens better understand mental health conditions and to support providers in caring for adolescents more effectively. They are hosting small student focus groups to gather feedback on their materials. Click here for more information and if you would like to participate.

 

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. 

 

  • Climate Action for Renters – Breaking Barriers to Participation, March 31, 6 PM, Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch. Join Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations for the third session of the 2026 Sustainability Forums to explore how renters can participate in Ann Arbor’s energy programs. From the green rental housing ordinance to the home energy advisor program, to the Sustainable Energy Utility, and beyond, come to learn and ask questions about how renters can increase their comfort, improve their indoor air quality, reduce their emissions, and more! Learn more at osi.a2gov.org/events. 

 

 

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