Friday 5 for October 8, 2021

1. This Week’s Crosswalk Feature: Empowering Global Citizens
This week, AETV launched Crosswalk, a new video series that features the great work schools are doing to support students and highlights connections across Arlington. This week’s video spotlights Ashlawn’s Global Citizenship Project and how it helps students develop skills in respecting different cultures, the environment, social justice and leadership. Watch the video here.

2. Bullying Prevention – Recognize, Report, Refuse!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. APS teaches bullying prevention to educate and empower students to help create safe and supportive school communities. Throughout this month, counselors will engage in various bullying prevention efforts such as reinforcing the three Rs of bullying prevention, Recognize, Report and Refuse; participating in Wear Orange Unity Day (Oct. 20) to show unity for kindness, support, and inclusion; and spreading the Upstander Pledge, a commitment to standing up for others. Everyone can do something to help prevent bullying; individuals, schools, and communities each have an important role. Learn what you can do.  APS provides a host of resources and helpful FAQs surrounding bullying. View this short video about our efforts. https://aps2016.apsva.us/student-services/bully-prevention/ 

3. Middle School Information Night Set for Oct. 25
Attention 5th grade families! Middle School Information Night is set for Mon, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. The event will be virtual this year and families will be able to watch the event live on Livestream. Families unable to watch the event live will be able to view a recording after. Families of students entering middle school in the fall of 2022will learn about APS middle schools, school options, application deadlines and procedures, school-based information sessions, available student resources, and more. Families will hear an overview about APS middle schools, school options, application deadlines and procedures, school-based information sessions, available student resources, and more.

4. Celebrate the Latino Experience in Arlington!
Come out on Sat, Oct. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium to celebrate the Latino experience in Arlington. Enjoy cultural expressions, food trucks and a moderated panel discussion featuring Latino Arlington Leaders and citizens. Registration is required for the panel discussion. The dance performances, exhibits by artisans and food trucks do not require advance registration to attend. Learn more and register for the panel discussion now.

5. Forty Schools in Thirty Days—Superintendent’s Recent School Visits
The first month of school was filled with great moments as students reconnected with friends and schools focused on instruction, student wellbeing, and health and safety. Dr. Durán visited every school to observe classes and meet staff and students. View the photo gallery featuring dozens of photos from across the schools. Be sure to follow Dr. Durán on Twitter to view highlights of these visits and his future visits to schools throughout the school year.

Other News & Notes

• Accommodations for Parents/Guardians to Assist in Child’s Education
• Read About the APS Hispanic Heritage Month Student Leaders
• It’s Not Too Late: Sign Up for Free Weekly COVID Testing in Schools to Help Stop the Spread