Superintendent’s January 18, 2023 Update

Dear APS Families,

With the end of the second quarter approaching soon, mid-year student progress assessments are underway. These tests and assessments are given at key points in the school year to help us monitor school and student performance, and to ensure every student receives the support they need.

Here is more information about these mid-year assessments and how schools use the results, along with other updates and reminders.

Mid-Year Testing and Growth Assessments: Assessments at the mid-year point help us measure student progress to ensure the second half of the school year is as successful and productive as possible for every student. Teachers use the information gathered to guide instruction and identify students who would benefit from additional support or who are ready for new challenges.

• Assessments include the Virginia Growth Assessment (Jan. 9 – Feb. 3) for students in grades 3-8 to measure progress in reading and mathematics, and the Math Inventory (Jan. 3-27) for students in grades 1-8. View our calendar of assessments.
• I encourage families to contact your school with any testing questions or for additional information about how schools and teachers use test results to support student success. Schools regularly communicate the dates for each class so that students are present, rested and ready on test dates.

 Parent Info Sessions on Social-Emotional Learning Screener Results: Mental health is a vital part of student success, and we continue to prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) across all schools and grade levels. APS students in Grades 3-12 recently participated in the Social and Emotional Learning Survey, and results are now available.  I hope you will join us for the elementary virtual parent information session this Thur, Jan. 19 from 1-2 p.m. to review the survey results and answer questions. Our staff will explain SEL terms, provide specific examples of the skills involved and include tips for parents to help their children develop healthy, productive social-emotional skills.

Register | Elementary session flyer 

Principal Appreciation Week!: Thank you to all the students and families who are helping us say thank you to our principals with cards and other gestures. We will continue to honor our principals throughout the week.  

Nominate an APS All Star Employee: I had the honor of hosting our APS All Stars award recipients at a luncheon last week, and they shared what motivates and inspires them (our students!). Thank you to all who took the time to nominate staff. Each month, we surprise five staff members with the honor, so please continue to nominate employees who make a difference.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent