Friday 5 for Dec. 2, 2022

1. VIDEO: Young Scholars Model Expands Access to Gifted Services in APS

The fifth episode of Every Student Counts highlights Gifted Services in APS. It also showcases a new model designed to expand access to Gifted Services to more students, including students who have historically been underserved or underrepresented. APS is committed to serving the needs of every student, based on their strengths and needs. Gifted Services are delivered in the general classroom setting and provide curricula that are differentiated with opportunities for acceleration and extension. Watch the video to learn about the model and visit our website for resources on Gifted Services in APS.

2. Calendar Updates & Eid al-Fitr Holiday Added

At the Dec. 1 School Board meeting, the Board received recommendations on the 2023-24 School Year Calendar. Based on the discussion and feedback from staff and families, APS is revisiting options 1 and 2 and is modifying option 2 to provide a full 180 instructional days. A final decision will be made at the Dec. 15 School Board meeting.

Additionally, the Board approved a calendar change for the current school year to designate Fri, April 21, 2023, as a holiday for Eid al-Fitr. Because of this change, all schools and offices will be closed on Fri, April 21, 2023.

Next Wed, Dec. 7 is a Countywide Early Release for all students and a Professional Learning Day for staff. Winter Break is Dec. 19 – Jan. 2. All schools and offices will be closed.

3. Langston Business & Science Students Team Up for Class Project

The Langston business and science classes, along with others teamed up on a project that combines the science of environmental sustainability, accounting and marketing to make soaps this holiday season.
– Ms. Gibson’s accounting students operated a small-scale manufacturing business and tracked all financial transactions and financial analyses using QuickBooks.
– Ms. Gaither’s science students learn about the science behind creating eco-friendly soaps and the sustainability of bar soaps versus liquid soaps. In addition, students grow their own herbs for the handmade soaps.
– Ms. Farris, the school Registrar who once worked in marketing, shared her experience with the class. Mr. Tien, Langston’s ITC assisted students in script writing and photography to create a 30-second commercial.

4. Partners in Education: Reading is Fundamental Builds Lifelong Readers

Fifteen schools across APS participate in Reading is Fundamental of NOVA (RIF of NOVA), a nonprofit that assists in promoting literacy and building lifelong readers. This week, the program received a grant that will allow it to donate 490 more new books to students. RIF of NOVA provides a variety of books for student selection, giving students a choice to select books that interest them most. Participation in RIF is based on financial need. RIF of NOVA is a national organization with a local chapter in Northern Virginia. RIF of NOVA is celebrating its 50th year. APS values our partners in education!

5. Attention Rising Middle and High School Families: Upcoming Dates

Middle School and High School Information Sessions provide a chance for families with students transitioning to the next chapter to learn about their neighborhood school and option programs of interest. View the upcoming schedule of in-person Middle School Info Sessions and High School Info Sessions available.– Secondary Option Program Deadlines: Interested families must complete an online application and submit all required documents by Fri, Jan. 13, 2023, at 4 p.m. Learn more: Middle School  I  High School

Other News & Notes
2022 Computer Science Education Week – APS Hour of Code

VIDEO: Watch the Winter Performance by HB-Woodlawn Chamber Singers