Friday 5 for Jan. 21, 2022

1. School Board Votes to Maintain Mask Requirement in APS

The School Board voted Thursday to support the current mask requirement within Arlington Public Schools. Students and staff are required to wear masks indoors and on school buses, as part of a layered approach to help prevent COVID-19 transmission, following CDC guidance in accordance with Senate Bill 1303. We recognize that wearing masks and adhering to COVID-19 mitigation measures is not ideal or easy; however, these measures have been vital to maintaining in-person learning, so APS can meet our students’ social, emotional and academic needs and abide by Virginia law. Thank you for your cooperation in making sure every student arrives at school with a well-fitting mask. Read the Superintendent’s full update.

2. Ten Seniors Earn Four-Year, Full-Tuition College Scholarships

Congratulations to the 10 APS seniors who earned a prestigious Posse Foundation Scholarship or QuestBridge Scholarship. Posse Scholars receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship from The Posse Foundation to attend a partnering institution, and QuestBridge Scholars earn a full, four-year scholarship to the nation’s most selective colleges. Watch this video of the scholars talking about how important this scholarship is to them.  

3. Test to Stay Program Launching Soon

APS has received authorization from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to implement the Test to Stay program in Arlington, using approved VDH materials and requirements.  Once APS receives the full supply of test kits purchased for staff and students, the remaining kits will be used to implement the program. As part of the process, APS is preparing to launch a portal for families to document the vaccination status of their students. More information will be shared soon regarding program eligibility, enrollment procedures and testing compliance. Read more about the Test to Stay Program.

4. Green Scene Video Highlights Discovery’s Hydrogarden

Since the 2015-16 school year, Discovery Elementary has focused on sustainability and hydroponics. Currently, students are actively engaged in maintaining three indoor hydrogardens and one outdoor garden. These gardens provide hands-on learning and enrichment for students. Each grade level has a role from planting the seeds to monitoring the pH levels of the water, and students get to enjoy the lettuce they grow. Discovery donates some of the lettuce to local organizations such as A-SPAN. Watch this Green Scene video showing students working on the hydrogarden.

5. APS All Stars: Highlighting the Best of APS

APS has a new way to recognize our outstanding staff all year long! These individuals demonstrate excellence in collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation and stewardship. They are the individuals who help students succeed, make positive contributions in our schools, and go above and beyond to serve their students, families and colleagues. Recipients of the APS All Star award will be highlighted each month on our website and social media channels. Staff can be nominated by colleagues or anyone in our community. Nominate an APS All Star today!

Other News & Notes

• Update on School Lunches, Seasonal Menus, Supply Chain and More
• Arlington Career Center Teacher Named Superintendent of Liberian School System
• Congratulations to the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary and Visual Arts Contest Winners
• Signature in the Schools Partnership and Upcoming Play
• 20 School Board Highlights