Friday 5 for October 1, 2021

1. Congratulations to the Class of 2021! 

APS On-Time Graduation Rate for Class of 2021 Highest EverThis week, Virginia released its On-Time Graduation (OGR) Rates for the Class of 2021. The APS OGR for the Class of 2021 was 94%, (1,648 students). This represents the highest OGR since Virginia began reporting this in 2008. In 2021, 70% of APS students who graduated earned an Advanced Studies or IB diploma, and 92% of graduates responding to a survey reported that they plan to continue their education with a post-secondary experience. 

2. View the APS Quarantine Learning Plan

APS is committed to continuing instruction for students who are quarantined due to COVID-19. If the Arlington County Public Health Department requires a student to quarantine, APS will provide distance learning opportunities for students through limited livestreaming, recorded lessons and other methods. If a whole class quarantines, the class will engage in synchronous distance learning during the quarantine period. View the updated plan online.

3. It’s Official! Celebrating the Opening of Cardinal Elementary

Today, APS students, staff and families gathered outside at Cardinal Elementary School to mark the opening of the new school with a ribbon-cutting and back-to-school assembly. Students in each grade level performed songs and dances about safety, respect, friendship and community, concluding with a special rendition of the Cardinal School Song. The video of the event will be posted online next week.

4. APS Celebrates Students During Hispanic Heritage Month

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring outstanding Latinx high school student leaders for their standout achievements. Students from each APS high school were nominated by their principals for accomplishments such as advocating for social justice, supporting classmates during the pandemic, and serving as role models and mentors. Read about these students on our Hispanic Heritage month webpage. They will be recognized at the October 14 School Board meeting.

5. Thank You to APS Custodians! Tomorrow, Oct. 2, is Custodian Appreciation Day! APS is thankful for the dedicated and hardworking individuals who help to keep our facilities clean and optimal for student learning. They have worked especially hard during the pandemic to maintain safe, healthy learning environments and to ensure all schools were ready to welcome back students and staff. Check out this photo gallery we’ve put together to honor these employees.

Other News & Notes

• Important Information for Families about TikTok Challenges
• Wakefield’s Tony Bentley Named Virginia Driver Education Behind the Wheel Teacher of the Year
• Share Your Input– Help Define the New Relationship Between Schools and Police
• 30 School Board Highlights
• School Board Appoints Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
• School Board Approves New Organizational Structure for Department of Human Resources
• Contact APS! Here’s How
• School Board Member Monique O’Grady to Host Virtual Open Office Hours on Mon, Oct. 4
• October Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings