Friday 5 for Oct. 28, 2022

1. Simply Spooktacular! Eerie Events and Frightful Fun!

Halloween is on Mon, Oct. 31, and APS wishes all families that choose to celebrate a frightfully fun time. Arlington County has assembled a host of resources from events in the area to safety tips for trick-or-treating to guide your fall fun. Enjoy and be safe!

2. Eight APS Schools Receive Purple Star Designation

Congratulations to the eight APS schools honored with the Virginia Purple Star Designation! The award is given to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Newly designated schools: Arlington Career Center, Arlington Traditional School, Escuela Key Elementary, Hoffman-Boston Elementary, Kenmore Middle School, Oakridge Elementary, Swanson Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Discovery Elementary was awarded in 2019 with nine APS schools awarded so far.

3. Every Student Counts! Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in APS

Episode 3 of the Every Student Counts video series explains the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at all grade levels. Watch as students and staff at Randolph Elementary, Gunston Middle and Yorktown High School engage in SEL. These lessons give students the support and skills needed to succeed in school, future careers and life.

4. Share Your Input on the 2023-24 School Year Calendar

APS requests your feedback on the 2023-24 school year calendar options. The survey is open through Nov. 8. Feedback is used to inform the recommendation voted on by the School Board on Dec. 15  Learn more and complete the survey.

5. No School Boundary Changes for 2023-24 SY

At last night’s School Board meeting, it was announced there will not be a school boundary process for Fall 2022 meaning no boundary adjustments will take place during the 2023-24 SY. Earlier this year, staff reviewed projected enrollment levels and determined that student enrollment would be manageable for the current school year. As requested by the School Board, staff held off on making a final decision about boundaries until the September 30 student enrollment data was available. Staff will share the various measures to manage student enrollment when the Superintendent’s Annual Update is presented this spring.

Other News & Notes

REMINDER: AOVP closes on Mon, Oct. 31

November Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings

School Board Member Barbara Kanninen to Host Virtual Open Office Hours on Tue, Nov. 1