Ann Arbor Public Schools Weekly Update – January 20
Washtenaw County COVID-19 Status
As of today, January 20, Washtenaw County is in the CDC High/Red Community Level. Link to CDC Community Level page here. However, the Washtenaw County Health Department says delayed reporting of old cases is the cause of the High rating. They recommend proceeding as though we are at the Medium/Yellow Community Level.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools 2022-23 Covid Guidance is available here. If a child tests positive, parents should report cases here, and here is additional information on what to do if students, staff or volunteers have COVID. The AAPS Weekly COVID case dashboard and the biweekly outbreak report are available here.
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shares highlights from the Bryant Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly, the Pioneer Theatre Guild will present the new comedy ‘You on the Moors Now’ and Senator Debbie Stabenow visited Pioneer. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
A2 Schools Podcast
In this week’s podcast, we talk about preschool, young fives, and kindergarten options for the fall with Superintendent Swift, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning Dawn Linden, and Executive Director, Elementary Education Matt Hilton.
We also shared a bonus episode of the audio from this year’s AAPS High School MLK Celebration.
AAPS Board of Education
The next regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education is Wednesday, February 8th, at 7 PM at 3700 Earhart, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Board of Education Update Newsletters provide a summary of board meetings and are available on Board Docs.
AAPS & City of Ann Arbor Environmental Mini Grants
AAPS, in partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, is offering the opportunity for AAPS staff to apply for mini-grants of up to $500 in support of projects that promote environmental action and sustainability in our schools. Staff can learn more and apply here by Friday, February 10th.
Kindergarten and Young Fives Open Houses
Learn more about kindergarten and young fives opportunities in AAPS schools at open houses across the district in February. At the open house, you can meet the staff, learn about the programs and enrollment process and get answers to your questions. The full schedule is available here.
2023-24 Pre-Enrollment is Open
Pre-enrollments in the Ann Arbor Public Schools are now open. Additionally, we are currently accepting In-District Transfers for young 5s, 9th and 10th Grade at Pioneer and Skyline, and 9th, 10th and IB 11th graders at Huron. More information is available here.
PowerSchool Changes
There are new web addresses for each of the AAPS PowerSchool user portals. Find out all of the information here.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment and Recreation Opportunities
Keep the spirit of film alive by joining our virtual online cinema club. Watch cinema from around the globe, absorb cultural history and join in a lively post-movie debate. Virtual Cinema Club is the perfect way to enjoy quality screen time from the comfort of your sofa.
For all ages and skill levels, our NEW Bollywood Dance class is an enjoyable dance that everyone can learn. Combining traditional and contemporary, this class is all about dancing your heart out for some rhythms and feeling fresh mentally and physically after the class. This 8-week class begins January 31st, 6:00 – 7:00 PM.
Youth Enrichment Programs
Think Spring! Spring Break Camp 2023 online registration opens on Wednesday, February 22nd at 10 AM. Full-day and half-day options will be available for campers in grades Y5-5. Spring Break Camp runs March 27 – March 31. Programs can be previewed 3-5 days before registration opens. Scholarships are available.
Early Childhood Programs
Join the Nutty Scientists along with your 3 to 5-year-old and explore Life On Our Planet while learning about animals and where they live! Discover Earth’s wonders, from the sky to the sea, through art, science and sensory activities. This 6-week class meets February 7 – March 14 and is for a student accompanied by a grown-up. Have some science fun!
Enjoy a First Steps class in the best classroom of all – the outdoors! Register for Outdoor Adventures w/Andrea and trek through the woods completing scavenger hunts, creating nature-based art or learning new sports and games all in the company of other children and parents. Class includes storytime and songs during gathering time. This 6-week class runs from February 8 – March 15.
Youth Team Sports
Welcome to Rec & Ed High School Boys Volleyball. Join this new recreational league for grades 9-12, offering all-around skill development for players of all levels. Everyone plays, and there are no tryouts or cuts. Separate leagues will be formed for 9/10 and 11/12 athletes if registration numbers permit. Learn more and register online now through February 15 at 5:00 pm.
Rec & Ed After Care Programs
Rec & Ed has a limited number of spaces available in the After Care Programs at Abbot, Lakewood and Pittsfield. We are opening these spots to students/families who can provide transportation to reach these locations. The After Care program runs 5 days a week from the end of the school day to 6 PM. There is no part-time care. Learn more about the program’s goals, structure and fees here.
All commuter students must be dropped off at the After Care location between 3:45 and 3:55 PM.
Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis to families who fill out and sign the Commuter After Care Information and Agreement Form here. Space is limited.
The Commuter After Care Agreement must be received in order to complete the registration process.
Questions? Contact Amy Hepp at appschildcare@apps.k12.mi.us.
Rec & Ed is Hiring
Rec and Ed is hiring caring adults and 16 and 17-year-old high school students to work with elementary students in our before/after-school program. Join our friendly and supportive team. Find out more and apply here.
Community Events and Information
Free After-School Academic Support Resources
Several local organizations offer in-person and virtual academic support for AAPS students. Information and registration information is available in the Academic Support section of the AAPS Community Resources Page.
Gap Year Fair
Skyline High School is hosting a Gap Year Fair on Thursday, January 26th, at 6 PM. Connect in-person or virtually at this free event to learn more about taking a gap year following high school. Register here.
AAACF Community Scholarships
Applications can now be submitted for the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Community Scholarship Program. Over 40 scholarships are available for students graduating in the spring of 2023. Please complete this quick pre-qualifying questionnaire. The deadline to apply for scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 is 3 PM on February 9th.
OK2Say
As a reminder for students, parents and staff, when any concerns or unease arise, we encourage students and parents to reach out right away to an adult at school for assistance. For those who prefer to share a concern without revealing their identity, we recommend using the OK2Say tool, where tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephone, text message, email, mobile app or via the OK2Say website.
BeSMART Gun Safety
The BeSMART Gun Safety initiative is a nationwide campaign created to educate adults on the importance of safe gun storage. It does not endorse or condemn gun ownership; it merely reminds parents of the importance of being aware of guns in the community, in one’s own home, as well as in others’ homes.
Community Resource: Assistance Applying for Public Benefits
Need help with online applications for public benefits such as SNAP, cash assistance and Medicare/Medicaid? University of Michigan Law Students are here to help. CALL 734 274-9358 or EMAIL pbapboard@umich.edu. Brought to you by the Public Benefits Advocacy Project, U-M Law.
More community resources can be found at a2schools.org/communityresources
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 local school level:
For elementary level issues, contact Matt Hilton, Executive Director, Elementary Education: hiltonm@aaps.k12.mi.us
For K-8 and middle school level issues, contact Dr. Roberta Heyward, Executive Director, K-8 and Middle-Level Education: heywardr@aaps.k12.mi.us
For high school level issues, contact Jazz Parks, Assistant Superintendent, School Leadership: parks@aaps.k12.mi.us
