August 15, 2025 - AAPS Back to School Information
August 15, 2025
We are thrilled to welcome back our Ann Arbor Public Schools students and staff to our school campuses as we get ready for the first day of school, Monday, August 25th.
We want to share some important general AAPS district information including the school calendar, information on the food service program, mental health supports that are available, the opportunity to participate in an advisory team, a new communication option that will be available this fall, student health information and Rec and Ed programs and opportunities. Please review the information below and the back-to-school updates sent directly from your child’s school.
August 25
First day of school for students - half day
August 29
No School - Labor Day Break
September 1
No School - Labor Day Break
Food Service
All students will again receive a free breakfast or lunch meal for this school year. All individual food items, such as milk, are not free to
students. Students must pay for these individual items via the Meal Magic payment system.
Even though the State of Michigan continues to provide free breakfast and lunch meals for all students, it is important that every AAPS family fills out the Education Benefit Form (EBF), regardless of financial status. Filling out the EBF form helps AAPS maintain our current funding levels. We appreciate your assistance in filling out the EBF form.
Without this information from every family, AAPS could lose important state funding for educational programs that our students are entitled to. These supplemental grants and programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:
- Instructional staff (ex. Reading Interventionists, Math, Academic and Behavior Aids)
- Counselors, Social Workers and School Nurses
- Professional Learning for staff
- Technology
What do I need to do?
Please complete the EBF form. You may fill out a paper form available at AAPS schools or complete the form online
Important Notes:
- Include ALL students on one form, even if they attend different AAPS schools.
- If you completed the form online, do not fill out a paper copy. Contact Food Service to verify submission.
- Translated versions available here.
Transportation and Bell Times
2025-26 Bus routes will be shared on August 18th. Links to routes for our schools will be available here.
The Ann Arbor PUblic Schools (AAPS) will return to a 3-tier bus schedule for the 2025-26 school year. A 3-tier bus schedule will provide better on-time service to middle and high school students who were combined for bus service on many routes with the current 2-tier bus system. A 3-tier system also allows AAPS to reduce the number of bus routes.
AAPS previously ran a 3-tier routing system for many years, switching to a 2-tier system three years ago after the COVID pandemic. A 3-tier system will better serve our students and lead to more on-time transportation service for students.
The 3-tier system requires a five (5) minute shift in start time and a five (5) minute shift in release time for Elementary students.
The new elementary bell time for 2025-2026: 8:50 AM to 3:53 PM.
There are no bell time changes for Westerman Preschool, K-8 (A2 Open and A2 STEAM), Middle, and High Schools.
MyStop is a free desktop and mobile app that provides parents access to AAPS bus route information such as a child’s assigned bus, bus stop location and estimated arrival time at the bus stop. You can learn more about the MyStop App here.
For more information on transportation go here.
Immunization Records Due Before School Starts
Entering new students, Kindergarteners, and 7th graders must turn in their required Michigan school immunization records BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS on August 25. School offices are open for dropping off your student’s records. Call your school office with questions.
Need help getting your child vaccinated? Call the UM RAHS clinic at Scarlett Middle School (734-677-2708) or the Washtenaw County Health Dept. (734-544-6700). Multiple languages available.
Note: vaccine waivers are only available from the Washtenaw County Health Department. Visit the Immunization Waiver page for more information. Waivers must be acquired BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS.
Mental Health Support
Care Solace is AAPS’s free Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care Coordination Service. If you need support, Care Solace is here - free and confidential 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to connect students, staff and their families to mental health, substance abuse and ABA service providers, even during summer break.
Over 200 languages are supported, and help is available to those with and without insurance.
Using Care Solace is easy!
- Call 888-515-0595 anytime. 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 K-12 Student Support Advisory Team Interest Survey
The Ann Arbor Public Schools are seeking dedicated individuals to join a district advisory team to strengthen student supports and reduce suspensions among our most impacted students. This collaborative group will include district/building leaders, educators, staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community partners.
The advisory team will help develop an action plan with strategies and/or recommendations to:
- Use data to identify inequities and guide responsive actions.
- Reduce suspensions and address disproportionality (particularly among Black students, male students, students with disabilities, and those who are economically disadvantaged).
- Examine current district discipline policies and identify areas contributing to disproportionate or excessive suspension. Recommend policy improvements to better support students.
- Recommend supportive interventions that will increase student access to education and address behavioral challenges without removing students from learning opportunities.
Please take a moment to complete this short interest survey if you are interested in participating. While we value everyone’s willingness to participate, space on the committee is limited, and we may not be able to invite all interested participants to join at this time.
Click here to take the AAPS K-12 Student Support Advisory Team Interest Survey
MyPowerHub
AAPS is excited to announce a new centralized hub for student information and communication called MyPowerHub. This new hub will operate 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 positive step forward in our commitment to providing seamless, efficient, and supportive tools for student success. We’ll share soon details on how to set up your account.
Kindergarten Oral Health Screening
A healthy mouth is important. Dental problems can prevent children from doing well in school. Starting this year, AAPS kindergarteners are required to have a dental screening so that any problems can be fixed and they attend school ready to learn.
Elementary and K8 buildings will be reaching out to entering Kinder families with more information and options for a free screening that can take place during the school day at school.
Please note this regulation does not apply to Young 5’s students.
More information is available in English here and in multiple languages on this site.
Rec and Ed
Fall Classes
Check out Rec & Ed's fantastic fall line-up of early childhood (ages 0-5) and school-age youth (ages 5-13) classes and activities and adult classes for parents and caregivers here. Registration is NOW OPEN.
BONUS! Register by August 20th and receive $10 OFF each and every after-school class!
Scholarships are available!
BAC
AAPS Before & After Care: Some spots are still available for Fall 25-26, more information here.
Youth Sport Leagues - Registration Opens August 25.
Basketball (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Volleyball (4th - 9th Grade)
Stay Updated on Classes and Registration Dates
Subscribe to our youth e-newsletter, Fun Forward: SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Subscribe to our adult e-newsletter, Rec Connect: SUBSCRIBE HERE.