November 22, 2024 - Weekly Update
Calendar: November 27-29 - No School - Late Fall Break
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of an A2 STEAM 4th-grade teacher. We shared that a new Chartwells program teaches students the connection between food and mood, and seven new members were inducted into the Pioneer Athletics Hall of Fame. We previewed Community Ensemble Theatre’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and the A2 STEAM Fall Expo. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
AAPS Board of Education
The next Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road.
AAPS Winter Giving: Give Help, Get Help
Give Help to AAPS families and students in need by donating a gift card, organizing a drive or supporting a school. Get Help by finding food, winter clothing and other needed resources for your family. Visit a2schools.org/wintergiving today to learn more.
Care Solace Available Over Thanksgiving Break
We hope this break allows you to connect with loved ones and recharge. Even though schools are closed, you still have access to Care Solace services. AAPS partners with Care Solace to provide a complimentary and confidential care coordination service. Whether you need mental health or substance use treatment options, Care Solace can help. Call 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 with multilingual support) or visit www.caresolace.com/aaps to search or click “Book Appointment” for video chat, email or phone support.
AAPS New On-Demand Learning Resource For Students
The Ann Arbor Public Schools, in partnership with Varsity Tutors, is making a 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 Food Service Is Hiring
Chartwells Food Service is currently hiring for several positions, and we’re looking for motivated individuals to join our team. These roles are perfect for parents who want to work during school hours and have their evenings and weekends free.
Positions Available:
· Part-Time Food Service Workers:
o 15-25 hours per week (Monday through Friday)
o Starting at $16 per hour (depending on experience)
· Full-Time Sous Chefs:
o Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 2:30 PM
o Starting at $19 per hour (depending on experience)
If you or someone you know is interested, click here to apply for the Ann Arbor Public Schools postings. Please email HR manager Brittney DeWitt at dewittb@aaps.k12.mi.us after applying to set up an interview.
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 of 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.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment & Recreation
ADULT BASKETBALL IS BACK! Online registration for the Adult Winter Basketball League is available now through Monday, November 25th. All leagues will be divided by skill level. The winter adult basketball season is six weeks long, beginning Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Bump, set, spike it with 2025 Winter Adult Volleyball. Online team registration is available now through Monday, November 25th. Teams will play eight matches beginning January 13, 2025. Players without a team should email brinsone@a2schools.org for help. Players must be at least 16 years old.
Youth Team Sports
Online registration for Youth Winter Basketball is OPEN! Winter basketball is open to youth in grades 4th-8th during the 2024-25 school year. Most games are scheduled for Saturdays beginning January 18, 2025, with one evening practice per week. Scholarships are available.
Register online now for Youth Winter Indoor Soccer/Futsal. Indoor Soccer/Futsal is open to youth in grades Young Fives - 5th during the 2024-25 school year. Every child plays! Teamwork and active participation are key components of this league. Games begin on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available.
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
My Future Fund
We are thrilled that over $430,000 has been allocated to AAPS students’ My Future Fund accounts! My Future Fund has activated over 6,400 accounts for AAPS 2nd-7th grade students, and 1st graders will join the fun this year. Every account comes with a $25 starting deposit, and one in three students qualifies for a $475 bonus based on family income. Unlock all the benefits of the program by completing the Release of Information form before December 8, 2024. Over $1,000,000 is still waiting to be claimed by AAPS students. To learn more about the program and complete the Release of Information form, go to www.myfuturefund.org or call 734-302-2626.
Mind Matters: Ketamine for Mental Health Treatment Webinar
The University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry is presenting a Mind Matters educational webinar about ketamine on Thursday, December 5th, from 7 to 8:30 PM. Over the last several decades, studies have shown the potential for Ketamine as a therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression. Register for this Zoom event here.
Scientist Spotlight
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History’s next Scientist Spotlight is Saturday, December 7th, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Visit with U of M scientists and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting-edge research. Suitable for upper elementary through adult visitors.
City of Ann Arbor Seasonal Yard Waste Collection
The City of Ann Arbor is expanding services for the season to help residents manage fallen leaves. Through Friday, Dec. 13th, the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection will be increased to 20 bags (50 pounds or less each); unlimited leaf drop-off will be permitted at the Ann Arbor compost facility from residents or their landscaper; and free wood chips will be available to pick up at three locations around the city. More details here.
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 one starts on December 10th. 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