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Ann Arbor Public Schools

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May 8, 2026 - Weekly Update

AAPS District News

The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of Forsythe's school nurse. We also shared a Teacher Appreciation Week video, AAPS students shined at the Academic Games Leagues of America National Tournament, Huron and Skyline students advanced to the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals and a Skyline student earned Honorable Mention in C-SPAN’s national video contest. We also shared photos from National College Decision Day, students got a sneak peak of Skyline’s production of ‘Cinderella,’ and highlights from the 2025 AAPS Graduation Annual Report. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.

 

AAPS Board of Education

The next Board of Education Regular Meeting is Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road. At this week’s meeting the board received the AAPS 2025 Graduation Annual Report, an AAPS Early Budget Planning Considerations Report, the WISD Programs and Budget Review 2026-27 and the March Monthly Budget Monitoring Report. You can review a recap of the last meeting here.

 

The Board of Education has added a study session on May 13 at 7pm focused on financial considerations for budget planning. Due to the ongoing fiscal challenges facing the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the district has been analyzing enrollment trends, building occupancy, district properties, and budget data. The goal is to identify short- and long-term strategies that will put AAPS on a path of lasting financial sustainability, benefiting students, staff, and the community. 

 

We are looking for community input before this meeting. Please share your thoughts and questions by completing this brief survey. The study session will be at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 13th at 3700 Earhart Road and available via zoom here. 

 

Superintendent Message - Teacher Appreciation Week

 

Dear Ann Arbor Public Schools Community,

 

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the commitment and dedication of our AAPS teachers. A quality teacher makes all the difference in student growth and learning, both today and throughout a child’s development. Our AAPS students benefit tremendously from their classroom learning experiences under the guidance of our extraordinary AAPS teachers.

 

Teaching is not easy work. It requires heart, skill, and an unwavering commitment to students, even when the work is hard and the road is uncertain. The difference AAPS teachers make for students — in a classroom, in a conversation, in a child's life — is lasting, and we are grateful for their role in caring for and serving our students. Genuinely and deeply grateful.

 

On behalf of the Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Board of Education, we recognize and thank our teachers for all they do every day for our students, families and our community.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jazz Parks

AAPS Superintendent

 

 

National School Nurse Day

During National Nurses Week, we joined school districts nationwide on Wednesday, May 6th, in celebrating National School Nurse Day to recognize school nurses who serve as valued members of our school teams in supporting the whole child.

 

National School Nurse Day was established more than 50 years ago to foster an improved understanding of the role of the school nurse in schools and to recognize the essential contributions school nurses make to student, school and community success. During recent years, the responsibilities of the school nurse have become increasingly more significant and vital for our students, school teams and families, most especially those for whom access to quality healthcare beyond the school setting continues to be a challenge. Students with chronic conditions may miss school more often than others, affecting their academic performance. For these students, school nurses offer critical daily help in managing their conditions so they can learn and grow at school.

 

We thank our school nurses for their dedication to what they do every day for our students, families and colleagues. 

 

National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day 

On Friday, May 8th we celebrate National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. Now, more than ever, we appreciate and honor the people who work every day to provide healthy, safe and nurturing environments for children while their parents are at work or school. 

 

Our AAPS before and after care staff of about 50 are the first to greet over 600 elementary students every day and the last to say goodbye. They are trusted adults who keep our children safe and support working families. On behalf of the Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Board of Education, we recognize and thank our AAPS before and aftercare staff for their dedication, commitment and compassion.

 

Freeman Spring Environmental Festival 

Join us for an afternoon of fun and educational activities - trivia, arts & crafts, native plants, presentations, food and more at the Freeman Spring Environmental Festival on Saturday, May 9th from 1 to 3:30 PM at the Freeman Environmental Education Center. We'll have both indoor and outdoor activities, so please dress for the weather. This event is being planned and facilitated by the Freeman Environmental Youth Council.  Thank you to the A2SEEE Fund for providing financial support for Youth Council projects and events like this! Learn more and RSVP at www.a2schools.org/ee.

 

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.  

 

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.

SchoolCrossing 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

Coming Soon! Before/After Care (BAC) Schools Online registration for the 2026-27 school year opens May 13th at 10:00 a.m. Families are encouraged to register early and check this website for updates. https://reced.a2schools.org/beforeafter-care

Registration is OPEN NOW for:

High School Volunteer Program Applications Are Open and Close May 15 -  Current 8th–12th graders: Gain real-world experience and develop leadership skills at a Rec & Ed Summer Camp! Learn more here or contact Elyse Bairley at bairley@a2schools.or with questions.

Deadline Monday, May 11th: Youth T-Ball, Baseball, and Softball Registration - Practices will begin the week of June 15—don’t miss out on a fun season ahead! Learn more 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

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

SPRING FAMILY FUN Adult & Child - We’re offering several exciting 1 and 2-day workshops that you and your family are sure to love. 

Sweet as Honey Cookie Decorating (5/14, 6-8pm) 

Springtime Clay Play (5/31 & 6/7, 10-11:30am)

Rec & Ed Adult One-Day Workshops — May 

AI 101: Everyday Uses of ChatGPT (May 12)

Mastering Tempeh: Learn to Make and Cook Tempeh (May 28)

 

 

Community Events and Information

Mental Health Month is in May and the University of Michigan Medical School has a host of events planned to raise awareness about mental illness, its prevalence in today’s society and its impact on people of all ages and backgrounds. Click here for the full schedule of events and more information.

Asian Americans As Storytellers and Educators Showcase on Saturday, May 9th from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at the Chinese Community Center in Madison Heights. We extend thanks to three AAPS individuals: Community High School and Pioneer student, Sennen Querijero, who interviewed and created videos as part of this storytelling initiative; and teachers, Caroline Semrau (A2 STEAM) and Katherine Dudzik (Bryant Elementary) who collaborated with other Michigan teachers to create lesson plans to accompany the videos. Learn more here.

WISD Mental Health Workshop on Tuesday, May 12th at 7 PM is focused on Weeding Out the Myths of Marijuana for Real-World Conversations with Our Kids. Learn about up-to-date research about THC and the developing brain, along with practical strategies to strengthen your “teen whispering” skills. Register for this online workshop here.

Huron River Day is Saturday, May 16th at Riverside Park from noon to 4 PM. The afternoon festival will feature hands-on activities and games, live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center, a kids area with inflatables and face painting and more. Learn more, including parking options here. 

Huron Heroes is a new series of events in the morning from 8 AM to noon before Huron River Day activities kick off on Saturday, May 16th. Community members who sign up for a Huron Heroes activity will earn a card redeemable for prizes at the festival’s information booth. Learn more about the events and register here.

Huron River Day Microplastics Exhibit Tour is on Saturday, May 16th at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM at the U of M Museum of Natural History. From research to everyday choices, this exhibit invites visitors to understand microplastics and leave feeling empowered to do something about the issue. More information on this one-day-only tour here.

 

Ann Arbor Police and Fire Open House is Saturday, May 16th from 11 am to 1 PM on Fifth Avenue between Huron and East Ann, alongside Fire Station No. 1. All are invited for the free, outdoor event to meet local first responders including Touch a Truck, spray a fire hose, free hot dogs while they last and more. More details here.

 

Mind Matters: When Kids Struggle - What Grownups Can Do to Help is a webinar on May 21st at 7 PM. Mental health experts from the Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry are hosting this practical webinar for parents, family members and caregivers who want to better understand what it looks like when the kids in their lives are struggling and what they can do to help. Learn more and register here.

 

Girls’ Engineering Exploration (GEE) Day is Saturday June 6th at the College for Creative Studies - Taubman Center from 10 AM to 2 PM. The free, event with lunch provided, is a part of the Society of Women Engineers’ continuous effort to educate girls about the endless career opportunities that the engineering field has to offer. It is open to girls in 4th through 8th grade. Learn more and register here by May 22nd to guarantee lunch and a t-shirt.

 

Youth Art Fair is now accepting applications for students in grades 4 through 12 to exhibit and sell their work at the 67th annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original from July 16th through 18th. The youth artists will enjoy more mentorship, peer-based learning and fun by exhibiting among over 200 professional artists. Learn more about the Youth Art Fair here and you can apply here. 

 

Ann Arbor Waste Reduction Efforts Survey is now open. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance community outreach and education on reducing waste, the City of Ann Arbor and its education partner, the Ecology Center, invite you to participate in an important survey titled “Are You Living a More Life, Less Stuff Lifestyle?” Your responses will play a crucial role in shaping initiatives to promote sustainable living and reduce waste in our community. The survey takes less than five minutes to take.

 

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. 

 

  • SAVE THE DATE: A2ZERO Week is May 31- June 6! Join the City of Ann Arbor office of Sustainability and Innovations, local business, organizations, and community members for a week-long celebration of climate solutions and community. Some highlights from this week of family-friendly events, resources and more: Taste of Ann Arbor and the Dexter Ann Arbor Race, Circularity and Sustainable Food Party, a Solar-Powered Movie Night, an AFC Ann Arbor game, and coffee with your council members. Learn more at osi.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek. 

 

  • Freeman Spring Environmental Festival on Saturday, May 9th from 1 to 3:30 PM. Join us for an afternoon of fun and educational activities - trivia, arts & crafts, native plants, presentations, food and more. We'll have both indoor and outdoor activities, so please dress for the weather. This event is being planned and facilitated by the Freeman Environmental Youth Council.  Thank you to the A2SEEE Fund for providing financial support for Youth Council projects and events like this! Learn more and RSVP at www.a2schools.org/ee

 

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