1. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
This week kicks off the annual National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. View this kick-off video to learn why this month is so meaningful in APS. We honor our Latinx students and the many Hispanic Americans who have enriched and made a positive difference in our schools, community and culture. Each week, we will be celebrating two high school Latinx student leaders for their outstanding achievements. They will be featured on the APS website and on social media.
2. Twenty-One Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Earlier this week, the National Merit Scholarship Program announced that 21 Arlington students are semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Competition. These students will have the opportunity to compete for approximately 7,500 Merit Scholarship awards, totaling $30 million, that will be announced this spring. Congratulations to these Seniors!
3. Do Your Part to Keep Schools Safe!
It takes everyone to keep our schools safe and open. We ask everyone to take the daily health screening seriously, answer the questions honestly, keep students at home when they are ill and do not come to work or school if you are ill or have COVID-like symptoms. When there are confirmed COVID cases in schools, individuals identified as close contacts receive detailed instructions on quarantine procedures, and school-wide notices are sent to the school community. Thank you for doing your part. View some of the symptoms to look for and general health and safety information.
4. Mandatory Vaccinations for Student Athletes
APS will require all students participating in high school sports to be vaccinated, effective November 8 (start of Winter Season). Student athletes who cannot be vaccinated will be required to be tested daily. Additional information is available online, and APS will provide additional details about this requirement in the coming weeks. For additional information and to find a vaccination site, visit the Arlington County website.
5. September is Suicide Prevention Month
Arlington Public Schools continues to provide the School Support Line at 833-Me-Cigna (833-632–4462) for crisis and referral support. It is available 24/7/365 to students, staff and parents. The Office of Student Services is also launching a monthly newsletter offering resources and information for social-emotional and mental health support. You can read the first issue on our website. In addition, APS offers helpful resources and local crisis links for parents on our In Crisis/Need Help Now? and mental health resources webpages. If you or someone you know is suicidal, get help immediately via 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or the Crisis Text Line (text “HOME” to 741741). View additional suicide prevention resources from the Virginia Department of Health.
Other News & Notes
