Friday 5 for February 11, 2022

1. VIDEO: Thank You, APS Counseling Team

As we close out the week, we recognize the 124 talented and professional counselors helping to meet our students’ needs and ensure their success in the future. Watch this video featuring APS school counselors sharing why they do what they do and highlighting the services students are receiving.

2. Get Ready for Summer—Summer School and Activities Update

APS will hold its virtual Summer Activities Fair on Wed, Feb. 16, providing families information about Summer School and the camps and enrichment activities available through Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation and other local providers.  Full details and a video overview are available online.

3. COVID In-School Testing Vendor Update

Over the past several weeks, APS has been working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to address challenges with CIAN Diagnostics. VDH has advised APS to transition to a new provider, Aegis Solutions. Aegis will begin providing the weekly in-school COVID testing on Mon, Feb. 14. Families already opted in with CIAN received a text and email with a link to update their consent. Families wishing to opt-in can also complete the form online.

4. New Mascot Flies into Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School

Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School welcomed a new friend to the school: their new mascot, Drew the Dragon! Take a peek at the moment students saw the first sighting of Drew the Dragon and watch this video to see how it all came about.

5. Black History Month – Halls Hill Video Series: Langston School

Throughout February, APS is celebrating Black History Month. This year, we are celebrating the history of our schools in a four-part video series, “Halls Hill,” recognizing one of Arlington’s oldest neighborhoods. Last week we showed you the walls built to segregate neighborhoods in Arlington. This week, we’re taking you in-depth with the history of Langston School.

Other News & Notes

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener and Opt-Out Form
• Student Services February Newsletter: Responsible Decision Making
• Reminder: Test-to-Stay starts Mon, Feb. 14
• Coming on Monday at 7 p.m.: Middle School Honors Concert – Comcast/Xfinity 70 or 1090 (HD) and Verizon Fios 41