1. 5–11-Year-Old Children Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
Children ages 5-11 are now eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine. Arlington County Public Health is will begin currently offering vaccines by appointment starting on Sat., Nov. 6, and will hold clinics specifically for this age group on Nov. 13 and 14. Families are also encouraged to reach out to their child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor for potential vaccine availability as vaccine supply is limited in the early weeks of distribution. More information regarding locations, times and scheduling assistance is available on our website.
2. Updated COVID Testing Requirements APS has updated its testing requirements for students who have COIVD-like symptoms and have not been identified as a close contact by a public health agency or Arlington Public Schools. Students are now able to provide laboratory results from a negative antigen or PCR test to return to school, helping to decrease the potential days a student must remain out of school while awaiting results. Additional information is available on the APS website.
3. Escuela Key Celebrates Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Escuela Key Elementary held a ribbon-cutting event today to celebrate the start of a brand-new chapter—with a new name and a new location. During his remarks, Superintendent Dr. Durán highlighted the strength of the dual language immersion program and the school’s strong sense of community. Joining Dr. Durán were Escuela Key Principal Marleny Perdomo; School Board Chair Dr. Barbara Kanninen; Counselor Don Jesús Fernández from the Spanish Ministry of Education; PTA President Erin Lester; and Escuela Key staff, students and families. Escuela Key students sang Amazing Grace and read a poem about how everything was big when they were small.
4. Randolph Students Collect Coins to Benefit Non-profit
Students at Randolph Elementary raised more than $1,700 collecting coins to benefit Path Forward, a nonprofit benefitting Arlington’s homeless population (formerly A-Span). Fifth graders kicked off the coin drive on Oct. 29 with a campaign to teach other students about Path Forward and the logistics of the coin drive. As of the campaign conclusion today, Randolph students raised more money in this year’s coin drive than ever before in the school’s 20-year partnership with the non-profit organization.
5. Thank You, APS Community, For Your Support!
Thank you, APS community! More than 78% of voters approved this year’s School Bond, which allows APS to invest in future facility and infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of students. The $23.01 million bond will be used for improvements such as required kitchen renovations and safety and security projects. Thank you to this year’s Bond Chairs, Rebecca Hunter and Alistair Watson, for their support in raising awareness about the importance of the school bond.
Other News & Notes
- Daylight Saving Time Ends Early Sunday Morning. Remember to set your clocks back one hour.
- Fall Street Smart Campaign from the Arlington County Police Department
- Visit the APS FACE website
- Honors Band, Middle School Chorus and Orchestra Auditions Begin This Week
- How Glebe Elementary School is working to foster a supportive, inclusive community of support
