Friday 5 for Oct. 29, 2021

1. Month Ahead – November Dates to Remember

Here are some calendar reminders for November. Note that there is no school for students on Tue, Nov. 2, which is a grade prep day for staff. Many staff will be working remotely on that day, so please be aware that responses to inquiries may be delayed.

• Mon, Nov. 1 – End of First Quarter
• Mon, Nov. 1 – High School Information Night
• Tues, Nov. 2 – No School – Election Day and Grade Prep (Most School Staff Working Remotely)
• Thu, Nov. 4 – No School, Holiday – Diwali
• Tue, Nov. 9 – Report Cards (Grades 6-12)
• Thu, Nov. 11 – No School, Holiday – Veterans Day
• Fri, Nov. 19 – Report Cards (Grades 1-5)
• Wed-Fri, Nov. 24-26 – Holiday – Thanksgiving Break​​​​​​​

2. Spotlight on Literacy: The Science of Teaching Students to Read
This week’s Crosswalks highlights literacy instruction, and the strategies teachers are using to strengthen reading proficiency. The English Language Arts Department has shifted its model to teach foundational skills and phonics more systematically. Watch the latest installment of Crosswalks video here.

3. ATS Reading Carnival Inspires Young Readers

Arlington Traditional School (ATS) held its annual “Reading Carnival Day” on Wednesday. Reading Carnival Day is a celebration of the ATS summer reading challenge where every student reads 50 books and performs 10 good deeds. This year’s theme was “ATS Readers on the Move!” as the school transitioned from its building on Edison Street, to a new location at the former McKinley Elementary School.  The day was filled with reading, moving and grooving dance parties, class pictures, sidewalk chalk, popsicles, choosing a free book to take home, and more.  Learn more about the Reading Carnival Day and see the photos.

4. APS Increases Pay for Substitute Teachers

Arlington Public Schools continues to have a need, like other school divisions, to find substitute teachers to cover classes when teachers are not in school. To increase the substitute pool of candidates, the School Board approved a plan at its Oct. 28 meeting to increase the rate of pay for daily, permanent school daily, and long-term substitutes. The increase in pay will place APS as a frontrunner in the Northern Virginia Region for substitute pay rates with these changes that will take effect on November 1. To see the new rates and to apply, visit the APS website.

5. Join us for High School Information Night on Mon, Nov. 1!

Attention 8th grade families! High School Information Night is set for Mon, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. The event will be virtual this year and families will be able to watch the event on Livestream, with a recording available online afterward. Families of students entering high school in the fall of 2022 will learn about APS high schools, school options, application deadlines and procedures, school-based information sessions, available student resources, and more.

Other News & Notes

• School Board Appoints Dr. Jason Ottley Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
• Honors Band, Middle School Chorus and Orchestra Auditions Begin This Week
• Middle School Options & Transfers Information for SY 2022-23
• Engage in the Fall 2021 Boundary Process
• November Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings
• School Board Open Office Hours
• Reminder: Elementary families interested in changing to the Virtual Learning Program for the 2nd quarter must notify their school by Mon, Nov. 1.