Friday 5 for Nov. 18, 2022

1. Ashlawn Eagles Give Back!

In this season of giving, schools across Arlington are engaging in projects to give back and support those who need a helping hand. At Ashlawn Elementary School, students donated spare change and bars of soap throughout November to support PathForward’s efforts to end homelessness. The school community raised almost $4,000 and four large containers of soap as part of Ashlawn’s Global Citizens Project. Students, staff and members of PathForward walked through Bluemont Park raising awareness of the importance of supporting our community and helping those in need. Learn more about the Global Citizens Project.

2. Stay Safe from Illnesses this Winter

Winter illness season is here. The flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID are illnesses to be aware of this season. To protect yourself and others, please keep your student home and notify the school clinic if they are sick. Read the full details on our website.

3. Congratulations to Wakefield Art Students

Wakefield student artists have been selected as finalists in the 2022 Visions Art Juried Competition sponsored by Marymount University. Out of 303 pieces of artwork entered, only 34 pieces were selected for the exhibition and 21 of them were from Wakefield students!  The artwork will be on display through Dec. 2 at the Barry Gallery in Marymount University.

Three of the six awards were also given to Wakefield students:
– Third Place: Marceline Castrillon for her photo, “Blinded”
– Honorable Mentions: Simone Ichwantoro for her mixed media, “Pieces of a Girl,” and Elizabeth Goddard for her photo, “Pop of Color.”

The photo “Crow Hunt,” submitted by Wakefield student Gilbert Parker, was selected as the banner image advertising the show. Congratulations to these talented students and their art teacher, Jina Davidson.   

4. Students & School Board Member Dr. Barbara Kanninen Awarded

Students from the Arlington Career Center won second place in the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) annual student video contest. Students were tasked with creating a 30-second video on the theme “Rising Above.” Watch the award-winning video.

Additionally, School Board Member Dr. Barbara Kanninen is one of two individuals from Virginia to receive the VSBA Regional School Board Member of the Year award. This award recognizes the member’s qualities and involvement in promoting student achievement. Dr. Kanninen will retire from the Arlington School Board at the end of this calendar year.

5. Every Student Counts Episode #4: Why Student Data and Assessments Matter

This fourth episode in our Every Student Counts series illustrates how Collaborative Learning Teams use data to guide student support. Watch as teachers and staff at Long Branch and Barrett elementary schools, as well as Dorothy Hamm Middle School, show how the process works and the importance of assessments.

Other News & Notes Next Week

– Thanksgiving Break: Wed-Fri, Nov. 23-25

Elementary and Secondary Report Cards are available in ParentVUE

VIDEO: Reminders and Tips to Prepare for Inclement Weather

APS All Stars for November | Nominate an APS All Star

Making a Difference for APS Newsletter

Share Your Feedback on School Board Policies Available for Public Comment

General Information about APS Graduation Requirements

School Board Member Barbara Kanninen to Host virtual Open Office Hours on Mon, Nov. 28

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